PORT 


GF   THE 


vecaT d    C o m m i s si g n ers. 


Mm^.  CONDJTA  A.D.  <%i 


i^'wi  ^^ 


BOSTON  lOWN   RECORDS, 
1770  THROUGH  1777, 


ixj 


^XJU^ 


A    REPORT 


Eecord  Gommissioners 


CITY    OF    BOSTON, 


CONTAINING    THE 


BOSTON  TOWN  EECOEDS,  1770  THROUGH  1777. 


BOSTON: 
EOCKWELL    AND    CHURCHILL,    CITY    PRINTERS, 

No.    39    ARCH     STREET. 

1887. 


i78i5 


[Document  91  —  1887.] 


CITY  OF  fe^3  BOSTON. 


A  REPORT 


RECORD   COMMISSIONERS. 


The  Eighteenth  Report  of  the  Record  Commissioners  is  a 
continuation  of  the  Sixteenth,  and  contains  the  proceedings 
of  the  town  from  1770  throuoh  1777. 

It  is  almost  superfluous  to  speak  of  the  interest  which  will 
be  felt  in  this  report  of  the  proceedings  of  the  town  during 
this  important  period.  The  resolves,  instructions,  and  reports 
are  essential  to  any  correct  understanding  of  the  rise  of  the 
Revolution.  Many  of  these  papers  have  been  published 
before,  but  it  is  instructive  to  read  them  in  their  proper 
sequence,  and  to  see  that  the  functions  of  the  town,  in  small 
matters  as  well  as  great,  were  systematically  attended  to  at 
all  times. 

It  is  suggestive  to  note  that  the  town  meeting  of  Boston 
for  March  5,  1776,  was  held  at  Watertown  ;  but  with  this 
exception,  little  appears  on  the  record  to  show  the  suspension 
of  civic  rights  during  the  occupancy  of  the  town  by  British 
troops. 

The  ample  indices  will  enable  the  student  to  promptly  avail 
of  the  information  herein  collected. 

WILLIAM  H.  WHITMOEE, 

For  the  Record  Commissioners. 

City  Hall,  Boston,  Dec.  1,  1887. 


Digitized  by  tine  Internet  Arciiive 

in  2010  witii  funding  from 

Boston  Library  Consortium  IVIember  Libraries 


littp://www.arcliive.org/details/reportofrecordco18bost 


BOSTON  TOWN   RECORDS. 


[FIFTH  BOOK,  CONTINUED.] 


[311.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  6"". 
Day  of  March  1770  —  11  O'Clock  A  :  M  :  occasioned  by  the  Mas- 
sacre made  in  King  Street,  bv  the  Soldiery  the  preceeding 
Night 

The  Selectmen  not  being  present  and  the  Inhabitants  being  in- 
formed that  they  were  at  the  Council  Chamber,  it  was  Voted  that 
M"".  William  Greanleafl  be  desired  to  proceed  there,  and  acquaint 
the  Selectmen  that  the  Inhabitants  desire  and  expect  their  attend- 
ance at  the  Hall ;  and  the  Town  Clerk  acted  as  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  in  the  Interem 

The  Committee  returned  and  informed  that  they  had  delivered 
the  Message  of  the  Town  to  the  Selectmen,  who  had  desired  them 
to  acquaint  the  Inhabitants,  that  they  would  give  their  attendance 
immediately 

The  Selectmen  attend  &  Moderate 


Upon  a  Motion  made  it  was  Voted,  that  if  any  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants present  could  give  information  respecting  the  Massacre  of 
the  last  Night,  that  they  be  desired  to  do  it  in  Meeting,  that  the 
same  might  be  minuted  by  the  Town  Clerk 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  Constable 
Wallace  wait  upon  the  Rev^.  D''.  Cooper,  and  acquaint  him  that 
the  Inhabitants  desire  him  to  open  the  Meeting  with  Prayer 

Information  given  in  by  M"".  John  S.  Coply,  that  M'.  Pelhara 
and  his  Wife  and  some  Persons  of  M'.  Samuel  Wenthrops  Family, 
heard  a  Soldier  to  say  after  the  fixing  on  the  last  Night,  that  the 
Devil  might  give  quarters  he  should  give  them  none 

Information  given  in  by  M'.  John  Scott,  that  a  Lad  of  M"". 
[313.]  Peirpoints  said  at  M^  Cherdons,  that  a  Soldier  was  heard 
to  say  that  his  Officer  had  acquainted  them,  that  if  they  went  abroad 
at  Nights,  they  shoidd  go  armed  and  in  Companies 

M''.  Peirpoints  informs  that  before  the  firing  on  the  last  Night  he 
had  disarmed  a  Soldier  who  had  struck  down  one  of  the  Inhabitants 

The  Hon'''^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 
Chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  by  a  Hand  Vote 

M^  Pool  Spear  informs,  that  last  Week  he  heard  one  Kilson  a 
Soldier  of  Pharras  Company  say,  that  he  did  not  know  what  the 
Inhabitants  were  after,  for  that  they  had  broke  an  Officers  Win- 


2  City  Document  No.  91. 

dows  (meaning  Nathaniel  Roger's  Windows)  but  that  they  had  a 
scbeerae  on  foot  which  would  soon  put  a  stop  to  our  proceednre 
—  that  Parties  of  Soldiers  were  ordered  with  Pistols  in  their 
Pockets,  and  to  fire  upon  those  who  should  assault  said  House 
again,  and  tliat  Ten  Pounds  Sterling  was  to  be  given  as  a  Reward, 
for  their  killing  one  of  those  Persons,  and  fifty  pounds  sterling  for 

a  Prisoner 

The  Persons  that  appeared  to  give  Informations  relative  to  the 
Soldiery,  being  many,  it  was  found  inconvenient  to  take  them  in 

the  Meeting,  it  was  therefore  Voted,  that 

M^  William  Greanleaff 
M^  William  Whitwell 
M^  Samuel  Whitwell 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  the  Depositions 
which  are  offered  respecting  the  conduct  of  the  Soldiery 

The  Inhabitants  having  considered  of   the  steps  proper  to  be 

taken  by  them  upon  this  alarming  occasion 

Voted  that 

[213.]  The  Hon''^^  Thomas  Gushing,  Moderator 

John  Hancock  Esq. 

M''.  Henderson  Inches 

Joshua  Uenshaw  Esq. 

M"".  Samuel  Adams 

M^  William  Phillips 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Austin 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

Coll".  Joseph  Jackson 

M''.  William  MoUineux 

D'.  Benjamin  Church 

M"".  Jonathan  Mason 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

John  Ruddock  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  on  his  Honor  the  Lieu*.  Governor ;  and 
acquaint  him  ;  that  it  is  the  unanimous  Opinion  of  this  Meeting, 
that  the  Inhabitants  and  Soldiery  can  no  longer  dwell  together  in 
safety  ;  that  nothing  can  be  rationally  expected  to  restore  the 
peace  of  the  Town,  and  prevent  blood  and  Carnage,  but  the  im- 
mediate removal  of  the  Troops ;  and  that  they  therefore  most 
fervently  pray  his  Honor  that  his  power  &  influence  may  be  ex- 
erted for  their  instant  removal. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


[214.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Ereeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  6 
Bay  of  March  Anno  Domini  1770.  —3  O'Clock,  P:  M  : 

The  Hon'''".  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting 

Faneuil  Hall  not  being  Capasious  enough  to  receive  the  Inhabi- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  3 

tants  who  attended  ;  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to 
D"".  Sewalls  Meeting  House 

The  Committee  appointed  to  deliver  a  Message  of  the  Town  to 
his  Honor  Leuviteuant  Governor,  Reported,  and  laid  before  the 
Town  the    Reply  they  had  received   from  his  Honor  in  Writing 

whicli  is  as  follows 

Gentlemen 

I  am  extremely  sorry  for  the  unhappy  differences  between  the 
Inhabitants  and  the  Troops  —  and  especially  for  the  action  of  the 
last  Evening,  and  I  have  exerted  myself  upon  that  occasion,  that 
a  due  inquiry  may  be  made  and  that  the  Law  may  have  its  course. 
1  have  in  Council  consulted  with  the  Commanding  Officers  of  the 
two  Regiments  which  are  in  the  Town.  They  have  their  Orders 
from  the  General  at  New  York.  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  counter- 
mand those  Orders.  The  Council  have  desired  that  the  two  Regi- 
ments may  be  removed  to  the  Castle.  From  the  particular  con- 
cern which  the  29*^.  Regiment  has  had  in  these  differences  ColP. 
Dalrymple  who  is  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  Troops  has 
signified  to  me  that  the  Regiments  shall  without  delay  be  placed 
in  the  Barracks  at  the  Castle  until!  he  can  send  to  y^  [315.]  The 
General  and  receive  his  further  Orders  concerning  both  the  Regi- 
ment and  that  the  Main  Guard  shall  be  removed  and  the  14"". 
Regiments  so  disposed  and  laid  under  such  restraint,  that  all  occa- 
sion of  future  differences  may  be  prevented 

The  foregoing  Reply  having  been  read,  and  fully  considered  the 
Question  was  put  —  "Whether  the  Report  be  satisfactory  — 
Passed  in  the  Negative  almost  unanimously  —  (but  one  dessen- 
tient) 

It  was  then  moved  and  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M''.  Samuel  Adams 
M^  William  MoUineux 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
D"".  Joseph  Warren 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  on   his  Honor 
the  Lieu'.   Governor,   and  inform  him,  that  it  is  the   unanimous 
opinion  of  this  Meeting,  that  the  Reply  made  to  a  Vote  of  the  In- 
habitants presented  his  Honor  in  the  Morning  is  by  no  means 
satisfactory,  and  that  nothing  less  will  satisfy  them,  than  a  total 
and  immediate  removal  of  the  Troops. 

The  Committee  having  waited  upon  his  Honor  the  Lieu'.  Gov- 
ernor agreable  to  the  foregoing  Vote  ;  laid  before  the  Inhabitants 
the  following  Vote  of  Council,  removed  from  his  Honor 

His  Honor  the  Lieu'.  Governor  laid  before  the  Board  a  Vote  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  passed  this  Afternoon,  and  then  Addressed 
the  Board  as  follows 

Gentlemen  of  the  Council  I  lay  before  you  a  Vote  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  which  I  have  Just  now  received  from  them,  and  I  now 
ask  your  advice  what  you  Judge  necessary  to  be  done  upon  it 

[^16.]     The  Council  thereupon  expressed  themselves  to  be 


4  City  Document  No.  91. 

unanimously  of  Opinion  that  it  was  absolutely  necessary  for  his 
Majeslj's  service  and  the  good  order  of  the  Town  and  the  peace 
of  the  Province  that  the  Troops  should  he  immediately  removed 
out  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  thereupon  advised  his  Honor  to 
communicate  this  advice  of  the  Council  to  Coll°.  Dalrymple,  and 
to  pra^^  that  he  would  order  the  Troops  down  to  Castle  Wil- 
liam   

The  Committee  also  informed  the  Town,  that  ColP.  Dahymple 
after  having  seen  the  above  Vote  of  Council,  said  to  the  Commit- 
tee That  he  now  gave  his  word  of  honor  that  he  would  begin  his 
preparation  in  the  Morning,  and  that  there  should  be  no  unneces- 
sary delay  untill  the  whole  of  the  two  Regiments  were  removed  to 
the  Castle 

The  above  Report  of  the  Committee  having  been  read,  by  the 
Town  Clerk  ;  the  Inhabitants  could  not  but  express  the  high  satis- 
faction, .which  it  afforded  them 

The  Town  having  determined  that  it  was  highly  necessarj^  and 
expedient  to  have  a  strong  Watch  of  our  own  for  the  protection 
of  the  Inhabitants  in  the  Night,  untill  the  troops  would  remove, 
and  the  Committee  who  delivered  the  last  Message  to  the  Lieu*. 
Governor  having  kindly  offered  to  make  themselves  a  part  of  the 
Watch  for  this  Night,  their  offer  was  gratefully  accepted  and  said 
Committee  were  desired  to  take  such  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants 
with  them  as  they  might  think  proper,  and  also  to  appoint  a 
Watch  for  succeeding  Nights  ;  and  as  it  was  concluded  that  the 
Townsmen  were  now  very  generally  i)rovided  with  Arms  and  Am- 
munition, it  was  agreed  that  in  case  of  any  disturbance  in  the 
Night  they  should  repair  to  a  place  they  may  appoint  for  a  general 
Muster  -^— 

[317.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded — Voted,  unani- 
mously That  this  Town  have  the  greatest  abhorrence  of  one  of  its 
Inhabitants  viz'.  —  Samuel  Water-house,  who  in  defiance  of  the 
united  sentiment  not  only  of  his  Fellow  Citizens,  but  all  his  Fellow 
Countrymen  expressed  repeatedly  in  the  Votes  and  Records  of  the 
Hon^'^.  House  of  Representatives  of  this  Province,  has  continued 
to  accommodate  Troops  at  this  time  so  Justly  obnoxious  to  a  free ' 
People  and  abhorrent  to  a  free  Constitution,  and  thereby  basely 
prostituted  a  once  I'espectable  Mansion  House  to  the  use  of  a  Main 
Guard 

A  Copy  of  one  of  the  Hand  Bills  posted  up  the  Evening  preceed- 
ing  the  horrid  Massacre,  was  read  to  the  Town,  and  diverse  Testi- 
monies relative  to  that  bloody  affair 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon'''^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  the  Moderator  for  dispatching 
the  Business  of  this  Meeting 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  uud  warned  in  publick  Town  Meet- 


Boston   Town  Records,  1770.  5 

ing  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall   on    Monday  —  the   12''^.  Day  of 

March  Anno  Domini  1770 

Prayer,  was  made  by  the  Rev*.  D'.  Cooper 

Warrant,  for  calling  the  Meeting         _         _         .         read 

[318.]     Sundry  Laws  enjoined  to  be    read   at  this  Meeting 

were  accordingly  read 

The  Hon*"'^.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut,  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Rhode  Island,  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Prov- 
ince   

William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
and  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving  Bills 
of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Hampshire  and 
Rhode  Island,  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the  faithful  discharge  of 
his  duty,  wliich   oaths  were  Administered*  to  him  by  one  of  his 

Majesties  Justices  present  at  the  Meeting 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  Seven  Selectmen,  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared  that 

Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 

Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

John  Ruddock  Esq. 

The  Hon''^''.  John  Hancock  Esq. 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 

M"".  Henderson  Inches 

M'^.  Jonathan  Mason 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  and  upon  sorting  it  appeared  that 

John  Barrett  Esq. 

The  Hon'''^  Royal  Tyler  Esq. 

M"".  Benjamin  Dolbear 

M^  William  Whitwell 
[319.]  M^  William  Greanleaff 

William  White  Esq. 

M'.  Joseph  Waldo 

John  Leveret  Esq. 

John  Gore  Esq. 

Cap'.  Samuel  Partridge 

Thomas  Tyler  Esq. 

M".  Samuel  Whitwell 
were  chose   Overseers  of  the  Poor  for   the  Year  ensuing  —  see 

May  15 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Wardens,  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

The  Hon*'l^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 

Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 

M^  Samuel  Adams 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock.  Esq. 

John  ScoUay  I^sq. 

M^  William  Greanleaff 


6  City  Document  No.  91. 

M'.  William  Whitwell 

Benjamin  Austin.  Esq. 

M^  Jonathan  Mason 

M\  Moses  Gill 

M^  Samuel  Austin  ' 

were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire- Wards  and 

upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

John  Scollay  Esq. 
Newman  Grenough  Esq. 
John  Rowe  Esq. 
M"".  William  Cooper 
[320.]  M^  John  Mico  Wendell 

Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 
William  Homes  Esq. 

M"^.  Joseph  Tyler 

Cap'.  Adino  Paddock 

M"".  James  Richardson 

Cap*.  Benjamin  Waldo 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
M^  Alexander  Hill 

were  chose  Fire-Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  the  Question  was  put  — 
viz'.  —  "Whether   Constables  and  Collectors  of  Taxes  shall  be 

chose  sepperate —  Passed  in  the  Affermative  

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  remitted  out  of  the  Ten 
Pound  Fine  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of 

Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  shall  decline  serving 

The  Town  brought  in   their  Votes  for  twelve  Constables,  the 

Persons  chose  into  that  Office  are 

Mess'■^  Augustus  Hail 
Francis  Salmon 
George  Thomas 
Peter  Barbour 
Thomas  Rice 
Joseph  Payson 
Liudsey  George  Wallace 
Hezekiah  Usher 
John  Wells 
[331.]  Stephen  Symms 

Edward  Blake 

Ellas  Dupee 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appear'd  that  M''.  David  Jeffries  was  chosen, 
&  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills 
of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for 
the  faithful  discliarge  of  his  duty,  which  Oaths  were  Administred 
to  liim  by  M'.  Justice 

Mess".  John  Pulling 
John  Andrews 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  7 

Nathaniel  Wteatley 
Elisha  Avery 
Benjamin  Jackson 
Henry  Jackson 
Thomas  Hill  Jun'. 
Joseph  Laughton 
William  Foster 
Samuel  Parker 
Samuel  Wallis 
Ellis  Gray 

were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Ponce  on  the  Pound,  be  and 
hereby  is  allowed  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect ; 
provided  they  pay  into  the  several  Treasuries  the  whole  Sum  com- 
mitted to  them  to  Collect  on  or  before  the  tenth  Day  of  August 
1771.  Eight  Pence  on  the  Pound  on  all  such  other  Sums  as  they 
shall  have  so  paid  in  to  said  Treasurers  on  or  before  the  20  Day 
of  December  1771.  and  i^oifr  Pence  on  the  Pound  upon  the  re- 
mainder of  the  Sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  Collect  provided  such 
remainder  shall  be  fully  paid  in  on  or  before  the  Second  Monday 
in  March  [^23.]  1772.  This  Premium  as  above  expressed 
appears  to  be  Just  and  equitable,  and  an  ample  allowance  to  the 
Collectors  to  encourage  them  to  discharge  their  duty  with  diligence 
and  fidelity ;  provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond 
with  sufiQcient  Sureties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  their  duty  in  said  Office,  and  complying  with 

this  Vote 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Collectors  of 

Taxes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

Mess".  Sam[»son  Salter 

Edward  Holly  day 
M"".  Samuel  Ruggles 
M'.  Abraham  Savage 
were  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assessors,  and 

upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M^  William  Fairfield 
M"".  John  Kneeland 
M'.  Benjamin  Church 
Belcher  Noyes.  Esq. 
M"".  Daniel  Pecker 
M'.  Jonathan  Brown 
Moses  Deshon  Esq. 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing  — » 

M'.  Speaker  Cushing  Chairman  of  the  Committee  appointed  at  a 
former  Town  Meeting,  having  received  Letters  from  M'.  Pownal 
the  late  worthy  Governor  of  this  Province,  and  some  other  Gentle- 
men to  whom  they  had  transmitted  the  Phamphlets  which  contained 
Remarks  on  Governor  Bernards  Letters  &<=.  --  laid  the  same  before 
the  Town  — — 

[333.  ]     A  Letter  to  the  Selectmen  of  Boston  inclosing  the 


8  City  Document  No.  91. 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Watertown,  respecting  the  Non  Importation 

Ajyreement  Tea  &''.  were  laid  before  the  Town 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P  :  M  : 

3  O'clock  P :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment  — — 
The  Moderator  having  laid  before  the  Town  a  Letter  from  M". 
Sheriff  Greanleaff  representing  the  danger  there  was  of  some  of 
the  Prisoners  in  the  County  Jayl  making  an  escape,  and  that  it  is 
his  Opinion,  that  in  order  to  prevent  it  the  County  Watch  should 
be  doubled,  but  that  the  Court  of  Session  not  meeting  till  April 
next  cannot  be  apply'd  to  for  this  purpose  —  therefore  Voted, 
That  the  Sheriff  be  and  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed  to 
double  said  Watch  in  the  manner  he  has  proposed,  and  that  in 
case  the  Court  of  Session  at  their  next  sitting,  should  decline  de- 
freying  the  Charge  upon  his  application  to  them  therefore,  that 

then  the  Town  will  be  answerable  for  the  same 

Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  brought  in  and  sealed  up  in  Town 
Meeting,  and  delivered  to  the  care  of  Constable  Hale  to  be  re- 
turned to  the  Court  of  Session 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  Voted,  that  the  Committee 
of  the  Town  now  sitting  at  the  Representatives  Chamber,  be 
desired  to  attend  this  Meeting  by  a  Committee  to  inform  the 
Town  what  progress  has  been  made  in  the  removal  of  the  Troops 
from  this  Town 

The  Committee  attended,  and  Reported  —  That  they  had  at- 
tended the  Business  alotted  them  by  the  Town,  Night  and  Day, 
and  done  every  thing  in  their  power  by  their  repeated  applications 
to  ColP.  Dalrymple  to  expedite  the  removal  of  the  Troops,  that  the 
29  Regiment  was  already  [324.]  Gone,  and  the  ColP.  had  as- 
sured them  that  the  14'*^.  Regiment  should  begin  to  follow  them 

this  Day,  and  that  no  time  should  be  lost  in  removing  them 

The  above  Report  having  been  considered,  Voted,  nnanimouslj 

that 

The  Hon*^^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M"".  Samuel  Adams 

Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

M^  William  Mollineux 

D"".  Joseph  Warren 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  immediately  to  wait  upon  CoiP.  Dalrymple  to  fa- 
form  him  that  this  Town  have  now  waited  Seven  Days,  for  the 
removal  of  the  14  &  29*  Regiments  agreable  to  his  express  promise 
made  in  presence  of  the  Lieu'.  Governor  his  Majestys  Council  and 
y®.  Committee  of  the  Town  to  remove  tlie  same  with  the  utmost 
dispatch  ;  that  the  Town  is  very  uneasy  and  apprehend  the  In- 
habitants are  nnsafe,  while  the  Troops  remain  in  Town,  and  that 
they  are  therefore  obliged  for  the  protection  of  the  Inhabitants  to 
keep  up  a  military  Watch  during  their  taiTy  at  a  great  expence ; 
that  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Town  that  the  removal  of  the  said  two 
Regiments  may  consistent  with  the  usual  dispatch  of  the  Army  be 
soon  compleated,  and  that  it  is  the  desire  of  the  Town  that  the  re- 
moval of  the  Troops  may  be  immediately  effected,  and  that  the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  9 

Committee  obtain  an  explicit  answer  from  Coir.  Dalrymple,  when 

the  said  Regiments  shall  be  compleatly  removed 

Mess".  William  Nichols 

Andrew  Symms 

Clement  Collins 

Henry  Allen 

Isaac  Vergoose 

John  Grenough 
[235.]  Jacob  Thayer 

Joseph  Edmunds 

John  Skillins 

John  Sergeant 

Richard  Walker 

John  Champney 

John  Bulfinch 

Abraham  Howard 

Joseph  Butler 

Joseph  Eyres 

Thomas  Bayley 

John  Gill 

Andrew  Townsend 

Joseph  Ballard 

were  chose  Surveyors  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Jyless'"^  Samuel  Dyer 

John  Dyer 

Obediah  Low 

John  Joy 

William  Crafts 

were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Benjamin  Bass 

Samuel  Bangs 

Nathan  Cooper 

Thomas  Noland 

Benjamin  Cooper 

were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Gardner 

William  Daws  Jun'. 

were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing 

[2S6.]  Mess".  Peter  Cotta 

Manesseh  Masters 

Joseph  Dyer 

John  Harskins 

David  Spear 

Jonathan  Jenkins 

Robert  Brick  Jun'. 

Job  Wheelwright 

Joshua  Pico 

Benjamin  Salt 

Paul  Baxter 

John  Owen 

Thomas  Knox 

Samuel  White 


10  City  Document  No.  91. 

Edward  Cowell 
Edward  Potter 
Peter  Ellis 
Timothy  Pease 
Natliauiel  Waterman 
Jacob  Williams 
Samuel  Bernard 
John  Nowell 
Joseph  Phillips 
Henry  Lucas 

were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  David  Sirnins 

Thomas  Curtis 

were  chose  Hosreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing 


Committee  to  wait  on  Coll°.  Dalrymple  Reported  —  That  they 
had  delivered  the  Message  of  the  Town,  to  which  he  was  pleased 
to  Reply  —  That  not  a  Man  of  the  29*^.  Regiment  was  now  in 
Town,  and  that  between  Thursday  Night  and  Fryday  Morning 
not  one  of  the  14*'^.  Regiment,  except  himself,  would  remain 
here 

[3^7.]  Voted,  that  John  Hancock  Esq.  and  others  the  above 
Committee  be  desired  to  pursue  their  application  to  ColP.  Dalrym- 
ple and  the  Lieu*.  Governor,  that  the  Troops  be  removed  with  the 
greatest  dispatch 

Voted,  that  the  Hon'''%  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 
M''.  John  Adams 
M''.  Josiah  Quincy 
be  a  Committee  to  write  immediaiely  to  the  Hon'''*.  Isaac  Barree 
Esq.  Thomas  Pownal    Esq-  Dennis   Deberdt   Esq.  D^  Benjamin 
Franklyn  Esq.  William  BolUin  Esq.  Barlow  Trecothick  Esq.  ac- 
knowledging our  obligation  for  past  favors,  acquainting  them  with 
the  Circumstances  &  Facts  relative  to  the  late  horred  Massacre,  and 
asking  the  continuance  of  their  good  services  in  behalf  of  this  Town 
and  Province 

Voted,  That  ihe  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  the  Town  of 
Roxbury  for  their  kind  interposition  and  Assistance  in  our  late  dis- 
tress particularly  by  their  Petition  to  the  Lieu'.  Governor  on  our 
behalf  —  also 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Towns  of 
Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Watertown,  and  to  all  our  Brethren  in 
the  Towns  through  the  Province  for  the  kind  concern  they  mani- 
fested for  us  in  the  late  horred  Massacre  by  the  Soldiery,  and  their 
readiness  to  afford  us  all  that  assistance  which  oar  Circumstances 
might  have  required,  and  that  these  Votes  be  printed  in  the  several 
News  Pai)ers 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Thursday  next  9. 
O'clock  P :  M  : 

Tuesday  March  13     9.  O'Clock  P  :  M  :     Town  met • 

M''.  John  Gray 
was  chosen  Snrveyer  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[238.]  M^  Thomas  Curtis 

was  chosen  Hayward  for  the  Year  ensuing    . 


Boston  Toavn  Records,  1770.  11 

Upon  a  Motion   made   and   seconded   it  was   Voted,  that   one 
Soavioger  be  chosen  out  of  each  Ward 

Wards. 

Mess".  William  Clough N°.    1. 

John  Cogswell __._  2 

Benjamin  Ilarrod -  3 

Benjamin  Mulbury  Flomes  -----  4 

Hopestill  Capen    --------  5 

Benjamin  Goldthwait      ------  6 

Andrew  Cammcl   --------  7 

Jeremiah  Belknap       -------  8 

Henry  Laugbton    - --  9 

David  Wheeler  Jun^      ------  10 

Richard  Jennings  --------  11 

Joseph  Dorr.    ---------  12 

were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing  — 

The  Selectmen 
were  chose  Surveyers  of  High  Ways  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Mess''^  John  Holland 
John  Rogers 
were  chose  Surveyers  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Voted,  that  Nicholas  Boylston  Esq. 
M^  Thomas  Gray 
Ezekiel  Goldlbwait  Esq. 
M'.  John  Pitts 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  [329.] 
Accompts  of  M"".  Treasurer  Jeffries,  and  also  the  Accounts  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  the  said  Committee  are  enjoin'd  to  in- 
spect every  particular  Account  of  the  Moneys  expended  for  the 
use  of  the   Almshouse  ;  they  are  also  impower'd  when  they  shall 
Audit   said  Accounts  to   allow   such   of   the   Overseers   as   shall 
advance  Moneys  for  the  lelief  of  the  Poor,  Interest  on  all  such 
sums  from  the  time  so  advanced  ;  'till  they  shall  have  Audited  said 
Accompts  And  they  aro  also  desired  to  Report  from  time  to  time  a 
state  of  the  Treasury  respecting  the  Debts  and  Credits,  and  on  any 

matters  that  they  may  think  proper 

John  Tuder  Esq. 
M"".  John  Lucas 

were  chose  Surveyers  of  Wheat  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Coll".  Josepli  Jackson 
Nicholas  Boylston  Esq. 
William  Homes  Esq. 
were  chosen  purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  they 
are   desired   and  impowerd    to  give  all   needful  direction  to  the 
Keeper  of  the  Gi-anary  respecting  the  quaniity  of  Grain  to  be  sold, 
&  affixing  the  price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  re- 
quire.    And  the  said  Committee  are  desired  and  cbrected  to  cause 
all  the  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  ground  at  the  new  Mills 

near  the  Mill  Bridge  now  occupied  by  M".  George  Leonard 

Cap'.  Martin  Gay 
M"".  John  Skinner 
were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing 


12  City  Document  No.  91. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desu'cd  to  inforce  the  duty  of 
Scavingers  upon  such  as  have  been  chose  ;  and  if  they  should  find 
any  defects  in  the  Laws  relating  to  those  Officers,  that  they 
Report  the  same  to  the  Town,  that  they  may  act  thereon  as  they 
shall  Judge  convenient. 

[S30.]  Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  impow- 
ered  and  directed  to  set  for  abatement  of  such  taxes  as  they  shall 
Judge  reasonable  on  every  Wednesday  in  April  inclusive,  and  no 
longer,  saving  that  they  be  allowed  to  set  the  two  last  Weeks  in 
November  for  the  Abatements  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as 
had  not  an  opportunity  of  applying  on  the  above  limitted  time,  by 
reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province  ;  at  which  time  they  are 
also  allowed  and  impowered  to  Abate  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons 
as  may  have  died  Insolvent  between  the  said  last  Wednesday  in 
April,  and  the  last  Day  of  November. 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  School  Masters  Salarys  and 
all  other  Salarys  and  Grants  be  referred  over  to  next  May  Meet- 
ing  

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  Voted,  that  the  Town 
Treasurer  be  and  he  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed  to  borrow 
on  Interest  the  Sum  of  Three  hundred  pounds  for  the  use  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  to  purchase  Grain  &".  for  the  Alms-house 

Upon  a  motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be  and  hereby  is  directed  and  impowered  to  give  his  nego- 
tiable Note  upon  Interest  to  such  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  as 
are  in  advance  for  the  Relief  of  the  Town,  for  such  Sums  as 
appear  to  be  due  to  them  respectively  upon  the  Auditing  of  their 
Accompts  to  the  present  Month 

The  Selectmen  Reported  on  the  Accompt  of  M"^.  Benjamin 
Fenno  Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  which  Accompt 
as  entred  in  his  Books  (and  on  file  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  was 
read  —  whereupon  it  was  Voted,  that  the  same  be  accepted  and 
that  M^  Fenno  be  accountable  to  the  To\^n  for  683  Bushels  of 
Indian  Corn  &  244  Bushels  of  Rye  amounting  to  £124  ,,  0  ,,  2  . 
and  also  for  the  Sum  of  £103  ,,  0  ,,  11^  Cash  now  in  his  hands  ex- 
clusive of  the  sum  of  £32  ,,  13  ,,  4  for  his  Salary  and  attendance 
as  charged  in  his  Account  which  is  hereby  allowed  him 

[331.]  That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "To  take  some 
further  steps  if  necessary  to  strengthen  the  Hands  of  the  Mer- 
chants relative  to  the  Non  Importation  Agreement ;  for  the  dis- 
countenancing the  consumption  of  Tea,  and  other  Articles  of 
Foreign  Luxury  ;  for  employing  the  Poor  by  encouraging  Home 
Manufactures "  —  was  read  —  as  was  also  some  Votes  of  the 
Town  of  Charlestown  respecting  the  Sale  of  Tea —  whereupon 

Voted,  that    -     -    -     Mess".  John  Sweetser 

Peter  Boyer 
William  Fallass 
Francis  Shaw 
Alexander  Hill 
be  a  Committee  to  draw  up  an  Agreement  for  the  Shopkeepers 
that  have  or  do  deal  in  Tea,  not  to  dispose  of  any  more  of  that 
Article  untill  the  Revenue  Acts  are  repealed,  and  they  are  desired 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  13 

to  present  the  same  to  every  Trader  for  his  Signing  ;  and  Report 
at  the  Adjournment  —  also 
Voted,  that — John  Rowe  Esq. 

John  Ruddock  P2sq. 
John  Hancock  Esq. 
M'.  William  Denuie 
William  Phillips.  Esq. 
Isaac  Smith  Esq 
M^  Timothy  Fitch 
be  a  Commitee  to  take  into  Consideration  what  further  steps  are 
necessary  to  strengthen  the  Non  Importation  Agi-eement ;  discoun- 
tenance the  consumption  of  the  Tea  and  other  Forreign  Luxuries, 
and  for  employing  the  Poor  by  encouraging  Home-Manufactures 
—  to  Report  to  the  Town  from  time  to  time   as  they  may  think 
proper,  what  they  shall  apprehend  the  most  likelj'  means  to  answer 

these  good  purposes 

The  Petition  of  M"".  Jacob  Emmons  "  praying  the  Town  would 
make  him  a  Grant  of  Money  for  his  Land  taken   from  him  by  a 
new  Street  being  laid  out  by  his  Majestys  Justices  and  the  Select- 
men of  this  Town  thro'  his  Land  in  Paddys  Alley,  or  to  take  such 
other  steps  for  relieving  him  in  the  [333.]  Premisses  as  the  Town 
may  think  proper"  —  was  read,  whereupon 
Voted  that  Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
M^  William  Gray 
M"".  William  Whitwell 
William  Homes  Esq. 
M"".  Robert  Peirpoint 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  the  Petition  and  Report  as  soon  as 

may  be  what  may  be  proper  for  the  Town  to  do  thereon 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  "What  steps  may  be 
further  necessary  for  obtaining  a  particular  Account  of  all  proceed- 
ings relative  to  the  Massacre  in  King  Street  on  Monday  Night  last, 
that  a  full  and  Just  representation  may  be  made  thereof  "  —  was 
read — whereupon 

Voted  that  The  Hon"^^®.  James  Bowdoiu  Esq. 
D''.  Joseph  Warren 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  for  this  important  Business,  and  they  are  desired 

to  Report  as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted  that  —  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  for 
and  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to  find  out  who  those  Persons  are  that 
were  the  Perpetrators  of  the  horred  Murders  and  Massacres  done 
and  committed  in  King  Street  on  several  of  the  Inhabitants  in  the 
Evening  of  the  5*.  Instant  and  take  such  Examinations  and  Depo- 
sitions as  they  can  procure,  and  lay  the  whole  thereof  before  the 
Grand  Inquest  in  order  that  such  Perpetrators  may  be  Indicted 
and  brought  to  Tryal  for  the  same,  and  upon  Indictments  being 
found,  said  Committee  are  desired  to  propose  Matters  for  the 
Kings  Attorney,  to  attend  at  their  Tryals  in  the  Superior  Court, 
Subpena  all  the  Witnesses,  and  do  eveiy  thing  necessary  for 
bringing  those  Murderers  to  that  punishment  for  such  Crimes,  as 
the  Laws  of  God  and  Man  require  —  also 
/ 


14  City  Document  No.  91. 

[330.]  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  employ'  one 
or  more  Council  to  offer  to  the  Kings  Attorney  as  Assistance  to 
him  in  the  tryal  of  the  Murtherers  now  committed  ;  and  in  case 
the  Kings  Attorney  should  refuse  such  Assistance,  and  the  Rela- 
tives of  those  Persons  who  were  murthered  should  apply  for  it, 
that  then  the  Town  will  bear  the  Expence  that  maj^  accrue  there- 
by 

The  Petition  of  M'.  William  Crafts  "  that  he  may  be  permitted 
to  fence  in  a  small  Slip  of  Land  bordering  on  the  Mill  Pond,  and 
at  the  back  of  his  House  in  Sudbury  Street,  now  the  Receptacle 
of  all  manner  of  fill  h  in  order  to  prevent  its  continuing  a  Nusance, 
'till  the  Town  shall  think  proper  to  give  further  Orders  respecting 
the  Same  "  —  was  read  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Petition 
under  Consideration,  and  Report  thereon  ;  they  are  also  desired 
to  make  enquiry,  and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be  what  incroach- 
ments  have  been  made  on  the  Towns  Lands  near  the  Mill 
Pond. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant —  (Viz'.)  "  "Whether  the  Town  will 
take  any  measures,  that  a  public  Monument  may  be  Erected  on  the 
spot  where  the  late  Tragical  Scene  was  acted,  as  a  Memento  to 
Posterity  of  that  horred  Massacre,  and  the  destructive  Conse- 
quences of  Military  Troops  being  quartered  in  a  well  regulated 
City  "  —  was  read  and  considered,  and  the  Town  being  of  Opinion 
that  an  Event  of  such  publick  and  universal  Concernment,  must 
be  the  ObJ2Ct  of  the  attention  of  the  General  Assembly,  —  Voted 
unanimously  to  refer  the  further  Consideration  of  this  matter  to 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  "  Whether  Application 
shall  be  made  to  the  General  Court  that  an  Act  may  be  passed 
that  his  Majestys  Justices  of  the  Peace  may  be  impower'd  to  Con- 
vict any  Person  or  Persons  who  shall  refuse  to  work  at  a  Fire,  upon 
the  Oath  of  the  Fire-ward,  was  read  &  debated,  &  the  Question 
being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Negative 

[234.]  A  Letter  and  Votes  from  the  Town  of  Cambridge  was 
read  to  the  Inhabitants 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  March  16"". 
9.  O'clock  A:  M: 

Fryday  March  16"'  9.  O'Clock  A  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment  

The  Town  being  informed  that  M"".  Cushing  chosen  Moderator 
of  this  Meeting  on  the  12.  Instant  was  prevented  from  giving  his 
Attendance  ;  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  another  Gentleman  to 
Moderate  during  the  necessary  absence  of  M"'.  Cushing,  and 
Richard  Dana  Esq.  was  chosen,  and  took  the  Oath  respecting  his 
paying  and  recieving  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Con- 
necticut New  Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island  as  required  by  an  Act 
of  this  Province  which  Oaths  were  Administred  to  him  by  M^ 
Justice  Hill 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  a  Committee  be 
sent  to  the  Committee  of  the  Town  meeting  at  the  Town  House, 
to  know  from  them  whether  all  the  Troops  had  left  us 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  15 

M"".  William  Mollineux  one  of  the  above  Committee  came  into 
Town  Meeting  and  informed  the  Town  that  he  had  this  Morning 
been  with  Coll°.  Dalryraple  to  know  how  far  he  hud  proceedccl  in 
sending  away  the  Troops,  when  he  had  assnred  him  tiiat  the  whole 
of  what  remained  would  be  embarqued  in  four  Boats  by  One 
O'clock,  when  they  would  immediately  go  down  to  Castle  Isl- 
and   

Moved  &  Voted  that  the  above  Committee  be  desired  to  take 
such  Measures  for  keeping  up  a  Military  Watch  untill  tlie  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting  as  they  shall  think  proper  —  and  that  Coll". 
Jackson  [335.]  Be  desired  to  continue  the  Military  Watch  'till 
said  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  Morning  9. 
O'clock  A:  M:  

March  19.  9.  O'Clock  A:  M:  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment   

Voted,  that  M"".  Samuel  Adams 

John  Hancock  Esq. 
John  Barret  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  draw  up  a  Memorial  to  the  Lieuvetenant  Gov- 
ernor and  Council  praying  that  special  Justices  may  be  appointed 
for  the  Superior  Court  now  sitting  in  the  room  of  those  who  may 
be  necessarilj'  prevented  by  sickness  from  attending  their  duty  ; 
that  so  the  Tryals  of  the  many  Criminals  now  committed  may  not 
be  postponed 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  12  Instant  to  prepare  a  Repre- 
sentation of  the  Facts  and  Circumstances  relative  to  the  late  horred 
Massacre,  laid  before  the  Town  a  Draft  of  such  a  Representation, 
which  was  read  and  considered  —  whereupon  —  Voted  unani- 
mously, that  the  same  be  accepted,  and  that  the  draft  be  recom- 
mitted for  a  further  Revision,  and  when  the  same  is  compleated, 
that  they  forward  Copys  thereof  by  the  first  Opportunity  to  such 
Gentlemen  in  England  as  were  mentioned  in  a  former  Vote 

A  Motion  made  that  a  Fishing  Schooner  might  be  hired  by  the 
Town  as  a  Packet  to  carry^  home  their  Dispatches  relative  to  the 
late  horred  Massacre  —  whereupon  Voted,  that 
Cap'.  John  Bradfoi'd 
M".  William  Mollineux 
John  Barret  Esq. 
[336.]  Be  and  hereby  are  appointed  and  impowered  to  take  up 
a  suitable  Vessel  immediately  upon  the  best  terms  they  can,  which 
Packet  is  to  proceed  to  England  with  such  Dispatches  as  the  Com- 
mittee to  make  Representation  shall  have  to  send 

Cap'.  Dashwood  offered  himself  in  Town  Meeting,  to  go  Home 
charged  with  the  Delivery  of  such  Dispatches  as  were  going  by  the 
Packet ;  which  offer  was  gratefully  accepted  by  the  Town 

Voted,  that  the  Town  will  defrey  the  Expence  which  will  accrue 
by  means  of  Cap*.  Dashwoods  going  Home  with  the  Dispatches 

It  having  been  mentioned  in  Town  Meeting  that  Cap*.  Robsou 
lately  sayled  for  London  had  before  his  departure  spoken  that 
which  highly  reflected  upon  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  especially 
the  Bodv  of  Merchants ;  the  Committee  of  Examination  were  de- 


16  City  Document  No.  91. 

sired  to  make  enquiry  relative  thereto,  and  Report  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment   

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  Petition  to  the  Governor 
in  Council  relative  to  the  Appointment  of  Special  Justices,  Re- 
ported a  Draft  which  was  accepted,  and  the  Town  ordered  that  the 
same  be  presented  as  soon  as  may  be 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Voted,  that  the  Representation  made 
by  a  Committee  of  the  late  horred  Massacre  by  the  Soldiery  in 
King  Street,  be  printed ■ 

M'".  William  MoUineux  informed  the  Town  that  the  whole  of  the 
Troops  were  now  removed  to  Casile  Island,  and  that  he  had  good 
reason  to  think,  the_y  would  all  be  soon  sent  out  of  the  Province 

[237 »]  Upon  a  Motion  made  the  following  Vote  passed 
unanimously  (Viz*.)  — I'he  Merchants  not  only  of  this  Metropolis, 
but  through  the  Continent,  having  nobly  preferred  the  publick 
Good  to  their  own  private  Emolument :  And  with  a  vow  to  obtain 
a  redress  of  the  Grievances  so  loudly  and  .Justly  complained  of, 
having  almost  unanimously  engaged  to  suspend  their  Importations 
from  Great  Britain  ;  a  measure  approved  by  all  Orders,  as  legal 
peaceable  and  most  likel_y  of  all  others  to  effect  the  salutary 
design  in  view,  and  which  will  bcregarded  by  Posterity  with  Ven- 
eration, for  the  disinterested  and  truly  publick  Spirit  appearing  in 
it :  The  Town  cannot  but  express  their  Astonishment  and  Indig- 
nation, that  any  of  its  Citizens  should  be  so  lost  to  the  feelings  of 
Patriotism  and  the  common  Interest,  and  so  thoroughly  and 
infamously  selfish  as  to  obstruct  this  very  measure,  by  continuing 
their  Importation.  —  Be  it  therefore  Solemnly  Voted,  that  the 
Names  of  those  Persons, /ew  indeed  to  the  Honor  of  the  Town, 
viz*.  — John  Bernard,  James  M°.Masters,  Patrick  M°. Masters, 
John  Mein,  Nathaniel  Rogers,  Willl^m  Jackson,  Theopuilus 
Lillie,  John  Taylor,  Ame  and  Elizabeth  Cummins,  Israel 
Williams  Esq.  &  Son  of  Hatfield,  and  Henry  Barnes  of 
Marlburrough,  be  entred  on  the  Records  of  this  Town  that 
Posterity  may  know  who  those  Persons  were  that  preferred  their 
little  private  Advantage  to  the  common  Interest  of  all  the  Colonies, 
in  a  Point  of  the  greatest  Importance  ;  who  not  only  deserted  but 
opposed  their  Country  in  a  struggle  for  the  Rights  of  the  Constitu- 
tion, that  must  ever  do  it  Honor ;  And  who  with  a  design  to 
enrich  themselves,  basely  took  Advantage  of  the  generous  self 
denial  of  their  Fellow  Citizens  for  the  common  Good  —  also 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given  to  all  the  Towns 
through  the  Province  that  have  in  their  late  Meetings  with  a  gen- 
erous &  truly  publick  Spirit,  passed  such  Resolutions  and  Votes, 
as  must  greatly  strengthed  and  confirm  the  salutary  and  necessary 
Measure  of  Non  Importation  entred  into  by  the  Merchants  and 
Traders  of  this  and  other  Maritime  Places  :  At  the  same  time  the 
Town  cannot  but  express  their  hopes  that  the  Patriotick  Spirit  so 
widely  diffused,  and  so  nobly  ardent,  uniting  all  parts  [338o]  Of 
the  Province,  and  disposing  them  with  Alacrity  lo  aid  one  another 
upon  all  Occasions  in  the  common  cause,  a  Spirit  not  confined  to 
but  extending  to  all  the  Colonies,  will  ensure  by  the  blessing  of 
Heaven  the  Prosperity  of  the  whole,  and  soon  produce  a  thorough 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  17 

effectual   and    permanent   relief   from    our   great    and    commou 

Grievances 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  13*.  Instant  to  procure  Sub- 
scriptions to  an  Agreement  not  to  dispose  of  Forreign  Tea  untill 
the  Revenue  Acts  shall  be  repealed,  iiaving  Reported  to  the  Town 
that  their  number  was  too  small  to  answer  the  end  of  their 
Appointment 

Voted,  that  Mess'■^  John  Ballard 

Nathaniel  Holmes 
Samuel  Salsbury 
John  Simpkins 
Samuel  Ruggies  Jun"". 
Ebenczer  Dorr 
John  Lowell 
be  added  to  the  Committee  relative  to  Tea,  who  are  desired  to  Re- 
port as  soon  as  may  be 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  "To  consider  of  some 
effectual  Methods  to  prevent  unlicensed  Strangers  and  other  Per- 
sons from  entertaining  and  supplying  the  Youth  and  Servants  of 
the  Town  with  spirituous  Liquors  ;  for  the  breaking  up  of  bad 
Houses  ;  and  removal  of  any  disorderly  Intruders  to  the  Places 
from  whence  they  came  ;  and  for  the  further  discountenancing  of 
Vice,  and  promoting  a  Reformation  of  Manners ;  "  was  read  & 
considered  whereupon 

Voted,  that  Richard  Boynton  Esq. 
John  Tuder  Esq, 
John  Hill  Esq. 
Cap'.  John  Bradford 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
[339.]  Be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Article  into  their  Consider- 
ation, and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  next  being 
the  26.  Instant  9.  O'Clock.  A:  M:- 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  22"*.  of  March 
A:  D:  1770 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting -  -  read 

William  Phillips  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of 
Credit  of  the  Governments  of  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island 
as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Province 

The  Committee  chosen  at  an  Adjournment  of  the  last  Meeting 
to  take  up  a  suitable  Vessel  to  send  to  England  with  such  Dis- 
patches as  the  Committee  Appointed  to  make  Representation  of 
the  late  horred  Massacre  should  have  to  send  —  Reported  that  they 
had  agreeble  to  said  Vote  hired  a  Schooner  of  Cap'.  Gardner  for 
One  hundred  Pounds  and  twenty  Pounds  Sterling  which  Vessel 
would  be  ready  for  sayling  b}'  to  Morrow  —  But  it  being  the  sense 


18  City  Document  No.  91. 

of  the  Town  that  the  whole  transactions  at  the  Adjournment  of 
March  Meeting  on  the  lO*"^.  Ins*,  relative  to  the  taking  up  a  Ves- 
sel for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  was  null  and  void,  as  the  same  had 
not  been  inserted  in  the  Warrant  for  calling  said  Meeting  ;  it  was 
determined  to  take  up  this  Matter  anew;  and  [340.]  That 
Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  "  To  know  the  Mind  of  the  Town 
whether  a  Vessel  shall  be  hired  as  a  Packet  to  carry  the  Dis- 
patches to  London  relative  to  the  late  Massacre,  being   read  «& 

considered  ;  it  was  Voted  unanimously,  that 

John  Barrett  Esq. 
M''.  William  Mollineux 
Cap'.  John  Bradford 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee   to   take  up  for   the 
Town  a  suitable  Vessel  as  a  Packet  to  carry  such  Dispatches  to 
London  as  the  Committee  to  make  Representation  &''.  of  the  late 
Massacre  in  Boston  by  the  Soldiery  may  have  to  send 

Cap'.  Gardner  came  into  Town  Meeting  and  informed  the 
Town,  that  he  had  got  a  Mate  for  his  Schooner,  upon  whom  he 
could  depend,  also  a  Hand  extraordinary  ;  and  that  if  it  be  the 
mind  of  the  Town  ;  he  would  endeavor  to  secure  a  Landing  upon 
the  first  English  Ground  he  might  make,  and  then  immediately 
proceed  to  London  in  order  to  deliver  with  his  own  hand  the 
Packets  he  may  be  intrusted  with,  to  the  Gentlemen  to  whom  they 
shall  be  directed 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  "To  determine  whether  the 
Town  will  employ  any  Person  beside  the  Captain  of  the  Packet  to 
be  the  Carrier  of  the  Dispatches,"  was  read,  and  considered,  and 
the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  passed  in  the  Negative 

Whereas  Cap'.  Samuel  Dashwood  at  a  former  Meeting  of  the 
Town  generously  offered  to  proceed  to  London  with  the  Dispatches 
of  the  Town  relative  to  the  late  horred  Massacre,  without  fee  or 
reward  therefore  Voted,  unanimously.  That  the  Thanks  of  the 
Town  be  given  to  Cap'.  Dashwood  for  the  above  generous  offer, 
[341.]  Altho'  the  Town  are  since  of  Opinion  that  it  is  not 
necessary  to  employ  an}'  other  Person  for  that  purpose  beside  the 
Cap',  of  the  Packet 

The  other  Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  "To  Agree  upon  some- 
method  of  raising  Money  "  for  defreying  the  Charges  that  may  be 
occasioned  by  sending  a  Vessel  to  England  with  Dispatches  ;  was 
also  read  and  considered — whereupon  Voted,  that  the  Town 
Treasurer  be  and  he  hereby  is  impower'd  and  directed  to  borrow 
upon  Interest  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  fifty  Pounds  Sterling 
for  which  he  is  to  give  his  Negotiable  Note  or  Notes  in  order  to 
defrey  the  Charge  of  Vessels  hire  and  other  Expences  that  may 
arise  upon  the  sending  and  delivery  of  the  Towns  Dispatches  to 
the  Gentlemen  to  whom  they  will  be  directed  

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'*'''.  James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
D^  Joseph  Warren 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
Appointed  a  Committee  to  make  Representation  of  the  late  horred 
Massacre  by  the  Soldiery  in  Boston  be  desired  to  transmit  by  the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  19 

Packet  to  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Richmond,  General  Conway,  and 
such  other  Gentlemen  as  they  may  think  proper,  one  or  more  of 
those  Representations  so  soon  as  they  are  printed 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
William  Phillips  Esq.  the  Moderator  for  dispatching  the  Business 
of  this  Meeting 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


[34:3.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  by  Adjournment  from 

March  19  to  March  26'^  1770.     9.  O'Clock  A :  M : 

The  Hon^'®.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  tlie  Moderator  being  obliged 
to  attend  the  General  Court  setting  at  Cambridge,  and  Richard 
Dana  Esq.  chosen  a  Pro.  Temp.  Moderator  during  his  absence 
being  now  confined  by  sickness — the  Inhabitants  were  directed 
to  withdraw  and  bring  in  their  Votes  for  another,  when  it  ap- 
peared that  —  Joshua  Henshaw  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting  Pro.  Temp,  and  took  the  Oaths  f-especting  his  paying 
and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  New  England  Governments  as 

required  b}^  an  Act  of  this  Province 

The  Committee  appointed  "  to  consider  of  some  effectual 
Methods  to  prevent  unlicensed  Strangers  and  others  from  selling 
Spirituous  Liquors ;  for  the  breaking  up  of  Bad  Houses  &''.  and 
for  the  further  discountenancing  of  Vice  and  promoting  a  Refor- 
mation of  Manners"  —  Reported,  that  it  was  their  Opinion,  that 
full  and  ample  provision  is  made  in  the  Laws  of  this  Province  for 
those  purposes.  And  in  order  more  effectually  to  put  said  Laws 
in  execution,  the  Committee  recommend  that  twelve  Tything  Men 
one  in  each  Ward  of  the  Town  be  chosen  whose  duty  is  particularly 
pointed  out  in  the  Laws,  and  if  executed  properly,  may  in  a  great 
measure  answer  the  good  intentions  of  the  Town  —  which  Report 
having  been  considered  —  the  Question  was  put  —  Whether  the 
same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  affermative :  And  the 
Committee  were  desired  to  set  again  and  Report  further  at  May 

Meeting 

The  Town  were  directed  to  withdraw  and  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  twelve  Tything-Men  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
Mess"  :  John  Preston 

William  Fallass 

Andrew  Oliver 
[343.]  Nicholas  Bowes 

Stephen  Whiting 

John  Clough 

Henry  Roby 

Thomas  Kemble 

Isaac  Greenwood 

Benjamin  Gooding 

Samuel  Abbot 

Daniel  Parker 
were  chose  Tything-Men  for  the  Year  ensuing • 


20  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  "  consider  what  further  steps  are 
necessary  to  strengthen  the  Non  Importation  Agreement ;  dis- 
countenance the  Consumption  of  Tea  and  for  employing  the  Poor 
by  encouraging  Home  Manufactures,  and  to  Report  to  the  Town 
from  time  to  time  the  most  likely  means  to  answer  these  good 
purposes  "  now  Report  —  That  the  best  method  of  employing  the 
Tradesmen  and  poor  People  in  this  Town  is  in  the  natural  branch 
of  Ship  building  which  has  been  the  staple  and  principal  means  of 
employing  of  the  People  ;  and  that  the}^  have  the  pleasure  and 
satisfaction  to  Report,  that  there  will  be  three  Vessels  set  up  for 
that  purpose  in  this  Town  "  —  which  Report  being  put  passed  in 
the  aflermative  by  a  unanimous  Vote 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  true  state  of  facts  relat- 
ing to  the  execrable  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the 

5  Ins*.,  in  order  that  the  same  be  transmitted  to  Great  Britain, 
having  accordingly  Reported  ;  and  the  Report  being  accepted  by 
the  Town  and  ordered  to  be  printed  —  And  whereas  the  publishing 
said  Narrative  with  the  Depositions  accompanying  it  in  this 
County,  mry  be  supposed  by  the  unhappy  Persons  now  in  custody 
for  tryal  as  tending  to  give  an  undue  Byass  to  the  minds  of  the 
Jury  who  are  to  try  the  same —  therefore  Voted,  that  the  Com- 
mittee reserve  all  the  printed  Copies  in  their  Hands  excepting  those 
to  be  sent  to  Great  Britain  'till  the  further  orders  of  the  Town 

[244.]  Voted,  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  not  to  give 
out  Copies  or  deliver  any  of  the  Original  Papers  respecting  the 
late  horred  Massacre  ;  till  the  special  order  of  the  Town,  or  the 

direction  of  the  Selectmen 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  to  get  the  Sellers  of  Tea 
subscribe  not  to  sell  any  niore  Teas,  till  the  late  Revenue  Acts  are 
repealed  —  Reported  —  That  they  had  attended  that  service,  and 
that  the  Sellers  of  Tea  have  very  generally  signed  not  to  sell,  a 
few  Persons  excepted,  who  say  they  will  not  be  singular,  but  will 

sign  if  its  general  —  Mem.  212  Sellers  have  signed ■ 

The  Votes  and  Resolutions  of  the  Town  of  Charlestown  respect- 
ing Tea  delivered  in  to  this  Meeting,  were  read  and  considered 

of 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that 

Richard  Dana  Esq. 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

John  Ruddock  Esq. 

M"".  John  Adams 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

M''.  Josiah  Quincy 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq, 
be  a  Committee  to  supervise  the  Laws  relative  to  breaking  into 
Houses  and  Stores  ;  as  also  other  Laws  that  have  appeared  difflcieut 

6  Report  su-ch  Amendments  as  they  think  proper  at  the  May 
Meeting 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  4.  O'Clock 
P  :  M  : 

Tuesday  March  27.  1770.  4  O'Clock  P :  M :  Met  according  to 
Adjournment 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1770.  21 

[345.]  The  Town  having  been  informed  by  several  Persons 
that  a  number  of  Soldiers  with  their  Baggage  landed  Yesterday  at 
"Wheelwrights  Wharff  —  one  Gentleman  supposing  that  there  was 
not  less  than  Sixty  Men —  Voted,  that 

M''.  William  MoUineux 

Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 

Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

M'^.  Jonathan  Mason 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq.. 
be  a  Committee  to  make  enquiry  from  time  to  time,  whether  any 
more  Troops  came  up  from  Castle  Island  than  they  think  neces- 
sary, and  if  they  shall  find  it  to. be  otherwise,  that  they  then  im- 
mediately acquaint  the  Selectmen  in  order  for  their  calling  a 
Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants 

Voted,  that  all  Matters  and  things  which  remain  unfinished  at 
this  Meeting  be  referred  over  to  the  General   Town  Meeting  in 

May  next  to  be  then  considered  of  and  acted  upon 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and 
hereby  are  given  to  the  Hon''''^.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  and  the 
other  Gentlemen,  Moderator  and  Pro.  Temp.  Moderators  of  this 

Meeting  for  dispatching  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meetina;  was  dissolved. 


[246.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  8"^.  Day 
of  May  Anno  Domini  —  1770 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev"^.  D"*.  Chauncey 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

Sundry  Laws         _..---    read 

Joshua  Henshaw  Esq.  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their 
Name  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of 
one  or  more  Persons  to  Represent  them  in  the  Great  &  General 

Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at upon  Wednesday  the  30"^  of 

May  Currant,  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider  and  ascertain  the 
number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected  ;  accordingly  it  was  Voted  to 
proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Representatives,  and  then  it  was 
declared  by  the  Selectmen  that  no  Votes  will  be  received  but  such 
as  are  unfolded,  and  that  they  propose  the  PoU  shall  be  closed  at 
12  O'clock 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  the  number  of  the  same  were  found 
to  be  Five  hundred  and  thirteen  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared 
that  the  Four  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  —  Viz*. — 

The  Hon'^'^  James  Bowdoin  Esq. 439 

Hon"^.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  -----       olO 

M'.  Samuel  Adams 510 

Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 511 

[247.]  The  choice  of  Representatives  being  over  &  declared 
by  the  Selectmen  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw,  and 
bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  in  order  that 
the  Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs  mentioned 


22  City  Document  No.  91. 

in  the  Warrant ;  accordingly  tlie  Inhabitants  withdrew,  and 
brought  ill  their  Votes,  and  upon  sorting  Ihem  it  appeared  that 
the  Hon'''^.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  was  chosen 

The  Hon''^''.  James  Otis  Esq.  having  by  the  advice  of  his  Phy- 
sicians, retired  into  the  Country  for  the  recovery  of  his  Health. 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Hon^^\ 
James  Otis  Esq;  for  the  great  and  important  Services  which  as  a 
Representative  in  the  General  Assembly  through  a  Course  of 
Years  He  has  rendered  to  this  Town  and  Province  ;  particularly 
for  his  undaunted  Exertions  in  the  Common  Cause  of  the  Colo- 
nies from  the  beginning  of  the  present  glorious  Struggle  for  the 
Eights  of  the  British  Constitution.  At  the  same  Time  the  Town 
cannot  but  express  their  Ardent  Wishes  for  the  recovery  of  His 
Health,  and  the  continuance  of  those  publick  Services  that  must 
long  be  remembered  with  Gratitude,  and  distinguish  his  Name 
among  the  Patriots  of  America 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to 
transmit  to  the  Hon'''^.  James  Otis  Esq.  an  attested  Copy  of  the 
aforegoing  Vote 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3.  O'Clock  P :  M  : 

3  O'clock  P  :  M :  Met  according  to  Adjournment. 
The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  "  that  the  Select- 
men may  be  empowered  to  make  sale  of  several  pieces  of  unim- 
proved Land  in  diverse  parts  of  the  Town  "  —  was  read  — where- 
upon 

[348.]     Voted,  that  M^  William  WhiteweU 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
M^  Samuel  Downe 
M'.  John  Brown 
M'.  Moses  Gill 
M'.  Josiah  Quincy 
M"".  Robert  Pierpont 
be  a  Committee  to  take  the  Petition  into  Consideration  ;  confer 
with  the  Petitioners  ;  enquire  and  search  out  what  vacant  Lands 

belong  to  the  Town — and  Report  as  soon  as  may  be 

That  Ai-ticle  in  the  Warrant  Viz.'  — '' Whether  the  Town  will 
give  Instructions  to  the  Gentlemen  that  may  be  chosen  to  Repre- 
sent them  in  the  next  General  Assembly  —  was  read  —  where- 
upon 

Voted,  that  Richard  Dana  Esq. 
M"".  Josiah  Quincy 
D^  Joseph  Warren 
Joshua  Henshaw  P^sq. 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  Consider  of   and  prepare  proper  Instructions 
which  they  are  desired  to  lay  before  the  Town  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment. 

The  Committee  who  draw  up  by  Order  of  the  Town  a  Nai-rative 
of  the  late  horred  Massacre  perpetrated  by  the  Soldiery  in  this 
Town  on  the  5"*  of  March  last ;  presented  an  Appendix  to  said 
Narrative,  which  having  been  read  and  considered  —  Voted,  that 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1770.  23 

the  Same  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and 
herel)y  are  given  to  said  Committee  for  their  strict  adherance  to 
the  design  of  the  Town  in  their  appointment ;  and  for  their  per- 
fecting the  Business  in  so  correct  and  masterly  a  manner 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  Petition  [249.] 
Of  M^  Jacob  Emmons  praying,  "  that  the  Town  would  make  him 
satisfaction  for  the  damage  he  has  or  may  sustain  by  the  taking 
away  of  his  Lauds  in  Paddys  Alley  for  the  enlarging  of  a 
Street"  ;  Reported  verbally,  "  That  in  their  Opinion  M'.  Emmons 
the  Petitioner  had  not  pursued  the  steps  of  the  Law,  for  the 
obtaining  a  compensation  for  the  Land,  taken  from  him  by  a 
Committee  of  the  Justices  and  Selectmen  who  laid  out  or  enlarged 
the  Passage  Way  called  Paddys  Alley  ;  that  therefore  the  granting 
the  Prayer  of  his  Petition  would  be  attended  with  difficulties, 
particularly  by  opening  a  Door  for  other  Persons  to  apply  to  the 
Town  who  are  under  like  Circumstances "  —  whereupon  it  was 
motioned  that  M'',  Emmons  have  leave  to  withdraw  his  Petition, 
and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Afferma- 
tive. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  M"".  John  Lovell,  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at 
the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter.  

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  unto  M^  Samuel  Hunt  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  North 
Gram  mar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him 
quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration 
of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M"^.  John  Proctor  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the 
expiration  of  the  last  Qu^ 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M"".  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  the  Common  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the 
expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

[250.]  Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  M"'.  John  Tileston  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  North  Writing  School  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at 
the  expiration  of  the  last  Quart"". 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  unto 
M"".  James  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  a  further  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid 
unto  M"".  James  Lovel  as  an  encouragement  for  him  to  remain  and 
exert  himself  in  the  Service  of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year,  the 


24  City  Document  No.  91. 

same  to  be  paid  liim  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  &  to  com- 
mence at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  unto 
M''.  James  Carter  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  Writing  School 
in  Queen  Street,  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quar- 
terly as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of 
the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  a  further  Sura  of  Twenty  five  Pounds  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  M''.  James  Cartel*  as  an  encouragement  for  him  to 
exert  himself  in  the  Service  of  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allow'd  &  paid  to  such 
Person  as  the  Selectmen  shall  Appoint  an  Assistant  for  the 
Master  of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  ensuing  Year, 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to 
commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

[251.]  Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Thirty  four  Pounds  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  M''.  John  Tileston  Master  of  the  Writing  School  at 
the  North  End  for  providing  an  Assistant  for  the  Y'ear  ensuing, 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to 
commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundi-ed  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury^  unto  M"".  David  Jeffries  for  his 
Services  as  Treasurer  of  the  Town  the  Year  past,  and  for  all  his 
Expences  in  that  Office 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesda}'  May  15"^.  — 
3.  O'clock  P:  M: 

Tuesday  May  15  :  3.  O'Clock  P :  M :  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment-  

To  the  Freeholders   and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Towa 

Meeting  Assembled  May  15  :  1770 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  Annual 
Meeting  the  8"\  Day  of  May  last  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit 
the  several  public  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  to  invite  such  G-entle- 
men  to  accompany  them  therein  as  they  should  think  proper,  and 

to  Report  thereon 

We  the  Subscribei's  accordingly  attended  that  Service  on 
Wednesday  the  5th  Day  of  July  last  accompanied  by  the  following 

Gentlemen  viz'. 

The  Hon'''®,  James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
Thomas  Hubbard 
William  Brattle  Esq. 
Hari'ison  Grey  Esq. 
John  Erving  Esq. 
Thomas  Flucker  Esq. 
[253.]  The  Hon"'''.  James  Pitts  Esq. 

James  Otis  Esq. 
The  Representatives  of  the  Town 

The  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

The  Rev"*.  M^  Samuel  Checkley 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1770.  .25 

M'.  Samuel  Mather 

Mather  Bylc  s  .  .  .  .  D  :  D 
Andrew  Eliot  .  .  .  .  D  :  D 
Samuel  Cooper    .   .   .  D  :  D 

M'.  Treat 

M"".  Penuil  Bowen 

M''.  Simeon  Howard 

M^  John  Lothrop 

M^  John  Walley 

M''.  Treasurer  Jeffries 

William  Shea.ff  Esq. 

M"".  Francis  Johonnot. 

M"-.  Caleb  Blanchard. 

M''.  Nathaniel  Appleton. 

M''.  Robert  Williams. 

Cap'.  Solomon  Davis. 

M''.  James  Ivers. 

Cap*.  Job  Prince. 

M^  Samuel  Procter. 

Byfield  Lyde  Esq. 

Isaac  Smilh  Esq. 

Ezekial  Goldthwait  Esq. 

Commodore  Hood 

M^  Samuel  Swift. 

M^  John  Adams. 

Eichard  Dana  Esq. 

Coll°.Thomas  Marshall. 

Maj''.  Cunningham. 
[353.]  Cap'.  Josiah  Waters. 

M''.  Edward  Cai'nes. 

M".  Robert  Jenkins. 

M''.  Ebenezer  Storer. 

Melatiah  Bourn  Esq. 
And  found  the  South  Grammar  School  had  142  Scholars;  the 
North  Grammar  School  GO  Scholars  ;  the  South  Writing  School 
203  Scholars  ;  the  North  Writing  School  253  Scholars  ;  the  Writ- 
ing School  in  Queen  Street  251  Scholars  ;  all  in  verj^  good  order.  — 
Voted,  that  the  above  Report  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Gentle- 
men the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  visit  the  public]?:  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing,  and  invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  as  they 

may  think  proper. 

The  Committe  Appointed  to  examine  the  Accompts  of  M". 
David  Jeffries  Town  Treasurer  have  attended  that  Service  and 
find  the  same  right  cast  and  well  vouched ;  in  which  he  charges 
himself  with  sundry  Fines,  Rents  and  other  Incomes  of  the  Town, 

as  also  with  the  Taxes  of  £8000,, all  which  amount  to  the 

sum  of  £12331,,  2,,  6^  including  the  balance  of  old  Account. 

And  the  said  Treasurer  discharges  himself  by  Sundry  Abate- 
ments made  the   Collectors  amounting  to  £347,,  17,,  9  By  Drafts 

made  by  the  Selectmen  amounting  to  £3113,, ,,  8^  of  which 

he  has  paid  £?553,,  16,,  11^  and  by  Drafts  made  by  the  Overseers 
of  the  Poor  which  contain  the  Charges  of  the  Alms  house  amounting 


26  City  Document  No.  91. 

to  £3330,,  17„  5  of  which  he  has  paid  £2162,,  15,,  7J.  Also  by 
Sundry  Sums  paici  for  Interest  amounting  to  £220,,  12,,  6J ;  the 
whole  amounting  to  £7212,,  8,,  5 

The  said  Committee  have  inspected  said  Drafts  in  very  par- 
ticular manner  and  have  examined  the  Vouchers  produced  by  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  amount  of  their  Drafts,  and  every 
other  branch  of  publick  Charge,  amounting  in  all  as  above  to 
£7212,,  8,,  5  [354.]  As  by  Account  of  Town  Treasury,  in  the 
Town  Treasurers  Books  balance  whereof  being  £5118,,  14,,  1^ 
is  carried  to  Credit  of  new  Account. 

Which  Report  and  Account  being  read.  Voted,  that  the  same 
be  and  hereby  is  accepted 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Four  thousand  Pounds  be  Raised  by  a 
Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  this  Town  for  Relief  of  the 
Poor  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges  arising  within  the 
Town  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  8^.  Instant  to  prepare  Instruc- 
tions for  our  Representatives,  Reported  the  following  Draft  which 
being  read  and  considered,  was  accepted  by  the  Town  Nemine 
Contradicente  ;  And  it  was  ordered,  that  the  said  Report  be  pub- 
lished in  the  several  News  Papers. 

To  the  Hon^'^.  James  Bowdoin  Esq.   &  Thomas    Cushing 
Esq.  AP.  Samuel  Adams  and  the  Hon*^'*^.  John  Hancock 

cock  Esq. 

Gentlemen 

The  Town  of  Boston  by  their  late  choice  of  you  to  Represent 
them  in  the  ensuing  General  Court,  have  given  strong  proof  of 
their  confidence  in  your  abilities  and  integrity.  For  no  period 
since  the  perilous  times  of  our  venerable  Fathers  has  worn  a  more 
gloomy  and  melancholy  jispect.  Unwarrantable  and  arbitrary  ex- 
actions made  upon  the  people  —  trade  expiring,  grievances  mur- 
murs discontents  convulzing  every  part  of  the  British  Flmpire, 
forbode  a  day  of  tryal,  in  which  under  G-od  nothing  but  strict  virtue 
and  inflexible  fortitude  can  save  us,  from  a  rapacious  and  miser- 
able distruction.  A  series  of  oceurrances,  many  recent  events, 
and  especially  the  late  Journals  [255o]  Of  the  House  of  Lords  af- 
ford great  reason  to  believe,  that  a  Deep  laid  &  desperate  plan 
of  Imperial  despotism  has  been  laid,  and  partly  executed,  for  the 

extinction  of  all  civil  liberty  ; and  from  a  gradual  sapping 

the  giand  foundation  from  a  subtle  undermining  the  main  pillars, 
breaking  the  strong  bulwarks  destroying  the  principal  ramparts 
and  battlements,  the  august  and  once  revered,  fortress  of  english 
freedom^  the  admirable  work  of  ages, — the  British  Constitution 
seems  fast  tottering  into  fatal  &  inevitable  ruin.  The  dreadful 
catastrophe  threatens  universal  havock,  and  presents  an  awful 
warning  to  hazard  all  if  peradventure,  we  in  these  distant  confines 
of  the  Earth  may  prevent  being  totally  overwhelm'd  and  buried 
under  the  ruins  of  our  most  established  rights.  For  many  Years 
past  we  have  with  sorrow  beheld  the  approaching  conflict ;  various 
have  been  the  causes,  which  pressed  on  this  decisive  period,  and 
everything  now  cons|)ires  to  prompt  a  full  exertion  of  our  utmost 
vigilance  wisdom  and  firmness ;  —  and  as  y^  exigencies   of   the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  27 

times  require,  not  only  the  refined  abilities  of  true  policy ;  but  the 
more  muitial  virtues  ;  conduct  valor  and  intrepidity  ;  So  Gentle- 
men in  giving  you  our  suffrages,  at  this  Election,  we  have  devolved 
upon  you  a  most  important  trust;  to  discharge  which  we  doubt 
not  you  will  summon  up  the  whole  united  faculties  of  mind  and 
body. 

We  decline  Gentlemen  a  minute  detail  of  many  momentous  con- 
cernments, relative  to  which  it  is  believed  no  Instructions  need  be 
given  ;  but  we  shall  express  our  thoughts  on  such  matters  as  we 
suppose  you  will  choose  to  have  our  explicit  sentiments. 

A  Grievance  which  will  early  present  itself  in  the  ensuing  Ses- 
sions (and  to  redress  which  you  are  to  take  all  proper  and  spirited 
methods)  is  that  of  holding  the  General  Court  at  Harvard  Col- 
lege, not  only  against  antieut  usage  and  established  law,  but  also 
against  the  wellfare  of  that  Seminarj-  of  learning,  the  happy  ad- 
vancement of  which,  this  Province  ever  had  and  still  have  so 
much  at  heart. 

We  would  have  you  Gentlemen  particularly  Scrutinize  into  the 
wise  and  cautious  transactions  of  our  worthy  Fathers  in  1721. 
They  it  should  be  known,  in  that  year  tho  not  directly  called  to 
weigh  [356.]  The  high  importance  of  the  question,  yet,  on  this 
very  matter,  behaved  with  a  political  foresight,  and  segacious 
circumspection,  truly  admirable  and  worthy  imitation  :  The  small 
pox  then  almost  as  pestilential  as  the  phigue,  rendrcd  the  Meeting 
of  the  General  Court  in  Boston  morally  impossible  ;  yet  so  convinced 
was  the  Governor  of  the  Province  of  his  own  defect  of  authority  to 
remove  the  General  Assembly  out  of  Town,  that  when  nil  the  Mem- 
bers daring  to  attend  the  Court  in  that  infectious  season,  were  as- 
sembled in  the  Council  Chamber  unable  to  make  a  quorum  of 
the  lower  House  they  were  expressly  assured  by  his  Excellency 
that  the  proposed  adjourning  into  the  Country  should  not  be  drawn 
into  President.  Accordingly  a  reliance  doubtless  being  had  on 
such  solemn  assurance,  no  objections  appear  entred  on  record 
against  the  Adjournment,  when  thro'  a  providential  calamity,  a 
transaction  of  business  in  the  proper  place  was  become  really  im- 
practicable. No  Proverb  is  more  familiar,  than  that  necessity 
knows  no  law  ;  and  the  Court  no  doubt  on  this  natural  considera- 
tion was  was  immediately  adjourned  out  of  this  Town.  Yet  so 
universally  sensible  were  the  people  of  that  duty,  and  especially 
the  three  branches  of  Legislature,  that  an  act  of  the  whole  Court, 
even  when  such  a  fatal  emergency  had  forced  the  Adjournment, 
absolutely  requisite  to  legalize  and  capasitate  for  their  proceedure 
to  publick  business  :  —  and  accordingly  a  vote  passed  the  honour- 
able House  to  that  purpose,  the  same  was  concurred  by  his  Majes- 
tys  Council,  and  approved  &  formally  assented  to,  by  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief  :  —  all  which  appears  on  the  publick  records  of 
the  Province.  Now  we  should  be  glad  to  be  informed,  how  these 
proceedings  in  essence  sense  and  spirit,  differ  from  a  full  ample 
and  final  denunciation  of  the  law  establishing  the  seat  of  Govern- 
ment. 

We  are  not  ignorant  that  in  1728/9  a  controversy  was  forced  on 
relative  to  this  point.      This  dispute  had  its  rise,  like  many  of 


28  City  Document  No.  91. 

more  modern  date,  in  consequence  of  ministerial  Instructions 
which  to  borrow  a  phrase  of  the  then  House  "  are  not  pleasant 
to  mention."  — (257.)  We  are  not  unacquainted  that  his  Majestys 
Attorney  and  Solicitor  General  were  at  this  time  consulted  relative 
to  our  legal  seat  of  Government.  We  also  l<now  that  the  then 
Governor  (Burnet)  treating  upon  the  same  subject  informed  the 
House  of  Representatives,  that  the  King  Determined  the  point," 
according  to  the  Attorney  General  and  ''  Soliciters  opinion,  that 
"  the  SOLE  poioer  of  dissolving  proroguing  and  adjourning  the  Gen- 
"  eral  Court  or  Assembly  as  to  time  or  place  is  in  his  Majestys  Gov- 
"  ERNOR,  and  that  the  reasons  against  it  from  the  tenth  of  King 
"  William  had  no  real  foundation  ;  there  being  no  clause  in  that 
'•'•Act  laying  any  such  restraint  upon  the  Governor." 

Here  it  should  be  well  observed  is  not  barely  a  tacit  but  an  ex- 
press declaration  that  the  sole  power  of  dissolving  is  "  devolved 
entirely"  upon.,  and  exclusively  vested  "m  the  Governor ''  Fr  ova 
hence  in  our  opinion,  this  consequence  unavoidably  follows,  that 
no  Instructions  orders  or  mandates  whatever  ought  to  direct  and 
control  such  poicer  solely  in  the  Governor.  For  it  is  not  merely  ab- 
surd in  theory,  and  most  mischievous  in  practise,  that  an  author- 
ity incapasitated  by  distance  to  Judge  of  local  and  other  critical 
circumstances,  should  have  a  power  to  fix  such  an  important 
movement,  but  moreover  it  is  palpably  contrarient  to  the  plain  words 
of  the  preceeding  determination.  We  freely  own  it  would  have 
given  us  more  satisfaction  to  have  seen  this  opinion  under  the 
hand  of  those  Lawj^ers.  But  we  would  here  Gentlemen  direct 
you  carefull}^  to  notice  and  remember,  that  as  we  always  expect  to 
defend  our  own  rights  &  libertys  so  we  are  unalterably  fixed  to 
Judge  for  ourselves  of  their  real  existence,  agreable  to  law.  Yet 
as  we  believe  this  same  opinion  is  far  from  being  well  grounded 
so  we  now  offer  a  few  comments  thereon  ;  for  your  future  consider- 
ation. But  let  it  be  recorded  that  we  enter  upon  this  task,  pro- 
testing against  the  pretended  right  or  power  of  any  Crown  Lawyer, 
or  any  exterior  authority  upon  Earth  to  determine  limit  or  asser- 
tain  all  or.any  of  our  constitutional  or  charteral,  natural  or  civil 
political  or  sacred  Rights  liberties  and  privileges  or  immunities. 
These  words  there  being  no  clause  in  the  "  Act  of  10'*'.  of  Will- 
iam laying  any  such  constraints  upon  the  Governor"  contained  in 
the  afore  cited  opinion  are  we  conclude  intended  to  convey  that  as 
the  'KXngs  prerogative  to  VQvaoYQ.  the(258o)General  Court  at  pleas- 
ure is  not  by  express  words  taken  away  so  such  a  power  remains 
inherent  in  the  Crown.  We  do  allow  indeed  that  the  Kings  Prerog- 
ative was  once  thought  "  a  topic  too  delicate  and  sacred  to  be  pro- 
faned by  the  pen  of  a  Subject,  that  it  was  ranked  among  the 
areana  imperrii,  and  like  the  misteries  of  the  bona  dea  was  not 
suffered  to  be  pried  into  by  any  but  such  as  were  initiated  into  its 
Service  :  because  perhaps  the  exertion  of  the  one,  like  the  solemni- 
ties of  the  other  would  not  bear  the  inspection  of  a  rational  &  sober 
enquiry"  We  also  have  heard  that  there  hath  been  a  British 
Potentate  who  "  dared  to  direct  on  English  Parliament  to  abstain 
from  dircours'ing  of  matters  of  state  ;  that  even  that  august  assem- 
bly ought  not  to  deal  to  Judge  or  to  meddle  with  Majestys  Preroga- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  29 

tire  Royal "  —  and  James  the  first  with  his  high  notions  of  the 
Divinity  of  regal  sway,  more  than  once  laid  it  down  in  his  speeches, 
that  "  as  it  was  athesm  and  blashemy  in  a  Creature  to  dispute 
what  the  Deity  might  do  so  it  is  presumption  and  sedition  in  a 
subject  to  dispute  what  a  King  might  do  in  the  height  of  his  pow- 
ers ;  Good  Christians  he  adds  will  be  content  with  Gods  will  re- 
vealed in  his  word,  and  good  Subjects  will  rest  in  the  Kings  will, 
revealed  in  his  Law  "  Surely  when  such  mistical  Jargon,  such  ab- 
surd and  imfamous  rant  was  thus  openly  denounced  in  a  Realm 
famed  for  understanding,  freedom  and  true  magnanimitie  nothing 
except  an  ineffable  contempt  of  the  reigning  Monarch  diverted 
that  indignant  vengeance,  which  would  otherwise  have  made  his 
illustrious  throne  to  tremble  and  hurl'd  the  Eoyal  diadem  from 
his  forfeit  head. 

The  Kings  prerogative  in  its  largest  extent  includes  onl}''  certain 
rights  and  privileges  which  hy  law  the  King  hath  as  a  third  power 
of  the  Commonwealth  intrusted  with  the  execution  of  luwfi  already 
in  being.  This  prerogative  our  law  pronounces  to  be  solely  gov- 
erned by  the  laws  of  the  land;  those  being  the  measure  as  well  of 
the  Kings  power  as  the  Subjects  obedience.  For  as  the  laws 
assert  &  bound  the  Just  rights  of  the  King ;  so  they  likewise 
declare  &  maintain  the  [359.,]  Rights  and  liberties  of  the 
people ;  hence  it  is  adjudged  law,  that  all  prerogatives  must  be 
for  tlje  advantage  and  good  of  the  people,  otherwise  such  pre- 
tended prerogatives  are  to  be  allowed  by  law.  Even  our  Crown 
Lawj'ers  will  inform  us  "•  that  one  of  the  principal  bulwarks  of 
civil  liberty,  or  in  other  words  of  the  British  constitution  is  the 
limitation  of  the  Kings  prerogative  by  bounds  so  certain  and 
notorious,  that  it  is  impossible  he  should  ever  exceed  them,  with- 
out the  consent  of  the  people  on  the  one  hand,  or  without  on  the 
other  a  violation  of  that  original  contract,  which  in  all  states  im- 
plicidly  and  in  ours  most  expressly  subsists  between  the  Prince 
and  the  Subject  —  And  for  a  consideration  of  the  extent  and  the 
restrictions  of  the  Kings  prerogative,  this  conclusion  will  evi- 
dently follow  that  the  powers  which  are  vested  in  the  Crown  by 
the  Laws  of  England ;  are  necessary  for  the  support  of  society ; 
and  do  not  retrench  any  further  on  our  natural  rights  then  is  expe- 
dient for  the  maintanance  of  our  civil.  Sir  Henry  Finch  under 
Charles  the  first  tho'  he  lays  down  the  law  of  prerogative  in  very 
strong  and  emphatical  terms,  yet  qualifies  it  with  a  general  re- 
striction in  regard  to  the  liberties  of  the  people  —  The  King  (sajs 
he)  hath  a  prerogative  in  all  things  that  are  not  injurious  to  the 
Subject,  in  them  all  it  must  be  remembered,  that  the  Kings  i^veroga- 
tioe  stretcheth  not  to  the  doing  of  any  wrong.  And  finally  the  best 
definition  of  the  prerogative,  which  our  law  books  afford  is  "  that 
discretionary  power  of  acting  for  the  public  good  where  the  posi- 
tive laws  are  silent  and  if  this  discretionary  power  be  abused  to 
the  publick  detriment,  such  prerogative  is  exerted  in  an  unconstitu- 
tional manner. 

We  Gentlemen  have  been  thus  particular  in  our  instructions  on 
this  head,  because  we  apprehend  that  this  point  of  prerogative 
thro'  great  inattention  hath  been  much  mistaken  ;  and  also  because 


30  City  Document  No.  91. 

every  other  matter,  set  forth  iu  the  aforesaid  opinion  of  M"".  Attor- 
XiQj  and  Solicitor  General  has  been  irrefregably  confuted  hy  diverse 
Judicious  replys  of  succeeding  houses  of  Assembly.  Now  the 
clear  law  laid  down  (to  the  spirit  of  which  we  do  order  you  punctu- 
ally to  adhere)  proves  beyond  a  cavil,  that  if  the  late  removal  of 
our  General  Court  was  not  against  plain  provincial  law,  yet  that 
such  removal  is  not  only  unwarrantable  by  the  principles  of  Crown 
[360.]  Law,  but  is  directly  repugnant  to  the  fundimental  institu- 
tions even  of  prerogative  law — For  will  any  one  be  so  weak  or 
wicked  ;  nay,  will  even  a  Crown  lawyer  for  his  stipend  or  pension 
have  the  front  publicly  to  maintain,  that  the  late  alterat'ou  of  the 
seat  of  our  General  Assembly  is  "  for  the  advant  !ge  and  good  of 
the  people,"  or  "  for  the  necessary  support  of  society,"  or 
that  this  assumed  "prerogative  stretcheth  not  to  any  wrong" 
"  Now  if  all  this  and  much  more,  is  not  maintained,  then  waving 
our  provincial  law  relative  to  the  seat  of  government,  we  with  good 
authoritj^  say,  that  the  holding  the  General  Court,  from  its  antient 
and  proper  station,  is  unwarrantable  unconstitutional  illegal  and 
oppressive.  We  have  given  you  Gentlemen  our  full  sentiments 
touching  this  important  concern,  because  you  ought  not  to  be  at 
any  loss  how  to  conduct  your  self  herein  conformable  to  the  Judg- 
ment of  your  Constituents,  —  But  had  we  not  here  spoken  so 
largely  nay  had  the  express  letter  of  the  law  been  less  favourable, 
&  were  it  possible  to  romack  up  any  absurd  obsolete  notion, 
which  inight  have  seemed  calculated  to  propogate  slavish  doctrines, 
we  should  by  no  means  have  been  influenced  to  forego  our  birth 
rights.  For  the  prime  and  only  i-eason  which  originated  all 
laws,  bat  more  particularly  and  expressly  the  prerogative,  was 
the  general  emolument  of  the  state,  and  therefore  when  any 
pretended  prerogatives  do  not  advance  this  grand  purpose, 
they  have  no  legal  obligation ;  and  when  any  strictly  Just 
prerogatives  are  exerted  to  promote  any  different  design,  they 
also  cease  to  be  binding.  Indeed  was  a  Soliciter  General  of 
Majesty  in  an  express  treatise  "of  the  Kings  pi'erogative  will 
teach  us  "  that  mankind  will  not  be  reasoned  out  of  the  feelings 
of  humanity  nor  will  sacrifice  their  liberty  by  a  scrupulous  adher- 
ence to  those  political  maxims,  which  were  originally  established 
to  preserve  it. 

The  despicable  situation  of  our  provincial  militia  you  will  make  the 
obect  of  your  peculiar  attention  ;  and  as  it  is  [281.]  apparent  From 
what  putred  source,  this  decline  of  military  emulation  hath  flow'd 
we  press,  that  such  animated  steps  may  be  taken  as  shall  speedily 
remove  this  Just  reproach  from  the  land. —  When  every  method  is 
obstinately  pursued  to  enervate  with  forreign  luxuries,  every  artifice 
practised  to  corrupt,  in  order  to  inslave,  when  we  are  denyed  a 
fiee  constitutional  exercise  of  our  rights  as  Men  and  Citizens ; 
when  high  handed  invasions  are  made  on  our  property,  and  auda- 
cious attempts  to  intimidate  not  only  from  resistance  but  com- 
plaint ;  surely  the  constitutional  watchmen  and  centinels  of  our 
liberties  are  asleep  upon  their  stations,  or  traitors  to  the  main  body, 
if  they  do  not  rouse  and  risque  from  this  insiduous  plot. 

As  a  laudal>le  and  voluntary  renunciation  of   a    baneful  Com- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  31 

merce  lias  naturally  occasioned  a  general  stagnation  of  trade  ;  and 
as  the  true  riches  of  a  people  are  numbers  and  industry  we  warmly 
recommend  to  you  such  measures  as  will  tend  to  increase  popula- 
tion, incourage  industry  and  promote  our  own  manufactures;  and 
as  this  is  a  very  pacifick  political  devise  for  the  defeat  of  our  ma- 
licious foes,  we  presume  it  may  be  less  obnoxious  to  the  virulent 
slander  of  ministerial  dependants  —  but  these  salutary  methods  of 
genuine  policy  ought  never  to  exclude  or  supersede  the  more  open, 
manly,  bold  and  pertenacious  exertions  for  our  freedom. 

One  of  the  most  weighty  matters,  which  attracts  our  affection, 
and  lies  deep  in  the  heart  of  every  honest  sensible  American,  is 
the  firm  and  lasting  union  of  the  Colonies  ;  There  is  no  one  point 
which  ought  more  to  engage  our  affectionate  zeal.  Our  enemies 
well  knowing  the  consequence  of  this  great  acquisition,  have  bent 
their  whole  force  to  render  it  abortive.  Without  the  least  founda- 
tion Jealousies  have  been  assiduously  infused,  diabolical  falsehood 
forged,  idle  tales  propogated,  little  discords  fomented  ;  and  every 
engine  that  fraud  could  invent,  and  hardy  villains  manage,  has 
been  set  to  work  in  order  to  retard  if  not  utterly  overthrow  this 
desirable  atainment,  but  all  has  not  done  it.  The  Ej^es  of  our 
worthy  Brethren  thro'  the  Continent  are  open  —  yet  as  we  know 
the  plotting  mallice  inveteracy  &  indefatigueable  labour  of  the 
desperately  wicked,  we  strongly  inculcate  that  you  be  zealous  to 
keep  up  a  cordial  intercourse,  with  our  Sister  Colonies  ;  and  as  our 
interests  are  so  apparently  inseparable,  nothing  but  an  intimate 
[362.]  Communion  is  requisite  to  cement  our  political  and  natu- 
ral attachment 

We  have  for  a  long  time  beheld  with  grief  and  astonishment  the 
unwarrantable  practise  of  ministerial  instructions  to  the  Command- 
ers in  Chief  of  this  Province  ;  it  is  high  time  Gentlemen  for  this 
matter  to  be  searched  into  and  remidied. 

Such  an  enormous  stretch  of  power,  if  much  longer  unchecked, 
will  eventually  annihilate  the  essentials  of  all  civil  liberty.  It  is 
repugnant  to  the  very  first  principle  of  true  government  (which 
was  alone  instituted  for  the  good  of  the  governed)  that  a  remote 
power  not  only  much  disconnected  but  often  different  in  interests 
should  undertake  at  pleasure  to  controul  any  command  in  affairs 
of  the  last  moment  for  the  benefit  and  relief  of  the  people  —  a 
power  3000  transmarine  miles  distant,  not  only  ignorant  of  our 
true  wellfare,  but  if  perchance  discovered  interested  to  oppose  it; 
not  only  attempting  to  oppress,  but  actuallj^  oppressing  —  that 
such  a  power  should  be  allowed,  wontonlj'  to  proscribe  patricians 
&  plebeins,  at  will  to  fix  the  residence  of  our  parliament ;  to  oi'der 
that  parliament  when  and  how  to  proceed,  and  where  to  retire  ;  at 
one  time  to  forbid  the  best  improvement  of  our  own  produce,  at 
another  time  effectually  to  force  us  to  purchase  forreign  merchan- 
dize ;  and  again  as  it  were  sword  in  hand  to  demand  our  property  ; 
and  anon  to  forbid  our  own  disposal  of  a  certain  part  of  it —  these 
are  doctrines  &  political  solicisms  which  maj'  take  root  and  spring 
up,  under  the  meridian  of  modern  Rome  ;  but  we  trust  in  God  will 
not  flourish  in  the  soil  and  climate  of  British  America.  We  there- 
fore strictly  charge  j'ou  not  to  grant  any  supplys  to  the  instru- 


32  City  Document  No.  91. 

ments  of  government  if  through  their  defect  or  misapplication 
the  grand  end  for  which  we  support  and  pay  our  Rulers  are  not 
accomplished.  We  also  recommend  to  you  carefully  to  enquii'e 
into  the  state  of  criminal  [2(33.]  Prosecution  in  our  executive 
courts  ;  and  endeavor  to  revive  the  antient  method  of  appointing 
the  Attorney  General,  agreable  to  charter;  for  we  believe  that 
such  a  step  will  be  attended  with  very  salutary  consequences,  in 
the  advancement  of  public  Justice,  the  punishment  of  offenders  and 
the  general  good  order  of  the  Province  — 

Our  choice  of  you  Gentlemen  to  represent  us  at  this  hazardous 
Juncture  is  a  sufficient  evidence  of  our  great  dependence  on  your 
wise  honest  and  steady  conduct  —  We  therefore  leave  all  other 
matters  to  your  best  discretion  and  Judgment ;  till  we  shall  see  fit 
to  give  further  instructions  —  We  greatly  confide  that  you  will 
bear  in  strong  remembrance,  the  hardships  and  sufferings  of  our 
pious  fathers,  to  find  out  and  purchase  this  remote  assylm  from 
ecclesiastical  persecution  and  civil  tyranny  ;  that  insi)ire(l  by  their 
glorious  example,  you  v.  ill  vigorously  repel  even  unto  the  utter- 
most the  insults  and  violences  of  internal  and  external  enemies  to 
our  peace.  We  remind  you  that  the  further  Nations  recede  and 
give  way  to  the  gigantick  strides  of  any  powerful  Despot,  the  more 
rapidly  will  the  Fiend  advance  to  spread  wide  desolation ;  and 
then  should  an  attempt  be  made  to  stay  his  ravaging  progress  — 
"  the  dogs  of  war  let  loose  and  hot  for  blood  rush  on  to  waste  and 
havock  !  —  Obsta  principiis  is  the  maxim  to  be  held  in  view.  It  is 
now  no  time  to  halt  between  two  opinions  ;  the  demands  of  fraud, 
violence  and  usurpation  are  unsatiable.  It  is  therefore  no  season 
to  stand  listning  to  subtle  alurements,  deceitful  cajoliugs,  or 
formidable  threatenings.  We  therefore  enjoin  you  at  all  hazards 
to  deport  (as  we  rely  your  own  hearts  will  stimulate)  like  the 
faithful  Representatives  of  a  freeborn,  awakened  and  determined 
people  —  who  being  impregnated  with  the  spirit  of  liberty  in  con- 
ception, and  nurtured  in  principles  of  freedom  from  their  infancy 
are  resolved  to  breathe  the  same  celestial  ether,  till  summoned  to 
resign  the  heavenly  flame  by  that  omnipotent  God  who  gave  it 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby 
are  appointed  to  act  upon  the  list  of  Jurors 

[364.]  The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Overseer  of 
the  Poor,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M^  Samuel  Abbot 
was  chosen  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted  unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  the  Hon'''®.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting  for  dispatching  the  business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  6^^.  Day  of 
June  Anno  Domini  1770 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1770.  33 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev*^.  Ebenezer  Pemberlon. 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Joshua  Henshaw  Esq.  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their 
name  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  the  choice  of  one  Person  to 
Represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General  Court  or  Assembly  in 
their  present  Sessions  and  so  for  the  remaining  part  of  the  Year 
in  the  room  of  the  Hou"°.  James  Bowdoin  Esq.  Elected  into  his 
Majestys  Council.  Accordingly  it  was  Voted  to  procved  to  the 
[365.]  choice  Of  one  Representative  And  then  it  was  declared 
by  the  Selectmen  that  no  Votes  will  be  received  but  such  as  are 
unfolded,  and  that  they  propose  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  12 
O'clock 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  the  number  of  the  same  wore  found 
to   be   Eive  hundred  and   thirty  six,   and  upon  sorting   them  it 

appeared  that 

John  Adams  Esq. 
was  chosen  by  a  great  majority 418  Votes 

The  choice  of  Representatives  being  over  and  declared  by  the 
Selectmen,  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw  and  laring 
in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  in  order  that  the 
Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  affairs  mentioned  in 
the  Warrant ;  accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew  and  brought 
in  their  Votes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  William 
Phillips  Esq.  was  chosen 

The  Town  being  informed  soon  after  that  M''.  Phillips  was  not 
in  Boston,  withdrew  as  directed  and  brought  in  their  Votes  for 
another  Moderator,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  John 
Ruddock  Esq.  was  chosen,  almost  unanimously 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Overseer  of  the  Poor ; 
the  choice  of  M^  Abbot  on  the  15*''.  of  May  lust  not  being  appro- 
hended  by  tlie  Town  to  be  altogether  legal  as  the  Inhabitants  were 
not  particularly  notified  of  the  choice  of  said  Officer  before  the 
time  of  Meeting :  Upon  sorting  of  the  Votes  it  appeared  that  the 
aforenamed 

M"".  Samuel  Abbot 
was  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  remainder  of  the  Year 
in  the  room  of  Tiiomas  Tyler  Esq.  lately  deceased 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Assessor  in  the  room 
of  M"".  William  Fairfield  lately  deceased,  and  upon  sorting  them  it 
appeared  that 

[266.]                     Gyles  Harris  Esq. 
was  chosen  an  Assessor  for  the  remainder  of  the  Year 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  Voted,  unanimously,  that 
it  is  the  desire  of  this  Town  in  consideration  of  the  present  aspect 
of  Divine  Providence  towards  the  British  Nation,  and  these 
American  Colonies ;  that  a  Day  be  set  apart  for  fasting  and 
prayer  through  tliis  Province  ;  and  that  the  Gentlemen  who  repre- 
sent us  in  General  Assembly,  communicate  our  sentiments  to  their 
other  Brethren  of  the  House 

Voted  unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  John  Ruddock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
for  dispatching  the  business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


34  CiTr  Document  No.  91. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  10*.  Day  of 
July  Anno  Domini  1770.  9  O'Clock  A  :  M  : 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting read 

The  Hon''^^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  and  took  the  Oatlis  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  iS'ew  Hampshire  Connecti- 
cut [S67.]  Rhode  island,  which  were  administred  to  him  by 
M''.  Justice  Avery 

Sundry  Letters  received  by  Cap*.  Gardner  Master  of  the  Packet 
taken  up  by  the  Town,  in  answer  to  those  by  him  to  our  Friends 
in  England,  relative  to  the  horred  Massacre  on  5*.  of  March  last, 

were  read  to  the  Town 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  — "And  that  such  further 
steps  ma}"  be  taken  as  shall  be  Judged  necessary,  to  counteract 
the  designs  of  those  inveterate  Enemies  among  us,  who  there  is 
reason  to  think  are  still  continuing  their  Misrepresentations,  and 
using  their  Endeavours  to  increase  the  present  unhappy  misunder- 
standing between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies  "  —  was  read 
and  considered  whereupon  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'^"'.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

John  Hancock  Esq. 

Richard  Dana  Esq. 

M^  William  Phillips 

M"".  William  MoUineux 

D'.  Joseph  Warren 

M"^.  Ebenezer  Storer 

M^  William  Greanleaff 
be  a  Committee  to  draw  up  a  true  state  of  the  Town,  and  the  con- 
duct of  the  Commissioners  since  the  5"^.  of  March  last ;  and  to 

Report  the  same  at  the  Adjournment 

A  Motion  made  that  the  printed  Narratives  of  the  late  horred 
Massacre,  which  has  been  retained  by  order  of  the  Town  in  the 
hands  of  the  Committee  ;  may  now  be  sold  by  the  Printei's,  and  the 

Question  being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Narrative 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  next  the  13*. 
Instant  3  O'Clock  P  :  M  : 

[368.]  Fryday  the  13  July  1770.  3  O'Clock  P :  M :  Town  met 
according  to  Adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  the  10  Inst*,  to  draw  up  a  true  state 
of  the  Town  and  the  conduct  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Board 
of  Customs  since  the  5*''.  of  March  last  —  Reported  a  draft  of  a 
Letter  to  be  sent  our  friends  in  England,  and  the  same  having 
been  read  and  considered  —  Voted,  that  said  draft  be  accepted,  and 
that  the  said  Committee  be  desired  to  transmit  fair  Copys  of  said 
Letter  to  such  Gentlemen  in  England  as  they  shall  think  proper 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and 
hereby  are  given  to  the  Hon'''^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  the  Modera- 
tor of  this  Meeting  for  dis|)atching  the  Business  thereof.  

Then  the  Meetiuo;  was  dissolved 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1770.  35 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  20  Day  of 
August  Anno  Domini  1770. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting read 

Richard  Dana  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  and 
took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit 
of  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire  Connecticut  &  Rhode 
Island,  which  were  Administred  to  hii'fi  by  M^  Justice 

[369.]  The  Petition  of  a  number  of  Inhabitants  setting 
forth,  '■''I hat  the  Passage  Way  leading  from  the  North  part  of 
Faneuil  Hall  Market  into  Ann  Street  and  Union  Street,  is  so  nar- 
row as  often  times  to  obstruct  the  passing  of  Carts,  Trucks  and 
other  Carriages  thereby  endangering  the  Limbs  and  Lives  of  the 
Inhabitants,  and  is  a  public  Nuisance,  and  praying  that  said  Pas- 
sage Way  may  be  widened  and  enlarged,  either  by  flUing  up  the 
South  West  part  of  the  Town  Dock,  so  far  as  to  render  the  same 
convenient  for  the  passage  of  Carriages  &c.  or  in  such  other  man- 
ner as  to  them  may  seem  meet"  —  was  rend,  and  upon  a  Motion 
made  &  seconded  —  the  Question  was  put — Whether  the  Town 
will  proceed  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Subject  matter  of  this 
Petition  as  inserted  in  the  Warrant  Passed  in  the  Affermative. 

The  above  Petition  having  been  read  and  considered  —  Voted, 
that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  and  irapower'd  to  fill  up  the  Dock 
from  the  South  East  Corner  of  the  Towns  Land  to  the  Warehouse 
occupied  by  the  Heirs  of  the  late  John  Fayerweather  Esq.  on  a 
strait  line  to  the  Northwest  Corner  opposite  to  M"".  Joseph  Tylers 
Shop  (without  obstructing  the  several  Drains)  for  the  present  ac- 
commodation of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  reserving  to  the  Town  their 
right  of  shutting  up  said  Ways,  when  they  shall  Judge  it  conven- 
ient 

Voted  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  Richard  Dana  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 

dispatching  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


[370.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legalh'  qualified  and  warned  in 
publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  August  24'"^, 
1770.  

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting read 


.John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  and 
took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit 
of  the  Governments  of  New  Hampshire  Connecticut  and  Rhode 
Island. 

The  Venire  directed  to  the  Constables  of  Boston  for  the  choice 
of  Six  Grand  Jurors  and  eighteen  Petit  Jurors  for  August  Court 
was  read 

The  after  examination,  finding  that  the  Temporary  Law  for 
regulating  the  choice  of  Jurymen  was  expired,  and  having  taken 


36  City  Document  No.  91. 

the  Opinion  of  Richard  Dana  Esq.  Council  at  Law,  proceeded  to 
the  choice  of  Jurymen  agreable  to  the  Venire  ;  and  the  following 

Persons  were  nominated  and  chose Viz'. 

6  Grand  Jurors. 

M''.  Ebenczer  Lowell 

M".  Joseph  Tnrell 

M^  John  Cunningham 

M^    William  Palfrey 

M''.  Thomas  Jackson 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

18  Petit  Jurors 

M'.  Thomas  Fletcher 

M'.  Richard  Boynton       -----     excused 

M''.  Daniel  Jones 

George  Irvins:  Esq.  ^ 

[371.]  M'.  Josiah  Torrey 

M^  Edward  Grant 

M^  Henry  Hill 

M^  Nathaniel  Barret 

M"".  George  Trott 

Thomas  Araory  Esq    .-----     excused 

Cap'.  Fortesque  Vernon 

M^.  Phillip  Dumaresque  -----     excused 

Benjamin  Faneuil  Esq. 

M^  Robert  Rand 
.    •  Cap'.  Solomon  Davis 

Moses  Peck    -     -     -     (served  within  the  time) 

M"".  Joshua  Gardner 

M''.  John  Winnitt  -------     excused 

M^  Joshua  Green  ------- 

M"".  Samuel  Ridgway  Jun"".  -     -     -     -     excused 

M"".  William  Lo'wder 

M"".  William  Frobisher 

Ezekiel  Lewis  Esq.     -    (served  within  the  time) 

M-".  Charles  Coffin 

M^  Neal  M-^Intyre 
Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  here- 
by are  given  to  John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 

for  his  services 

Then  the  Meetina;  was  dissolved. 


[272.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday'  the  20'\ 
of  September  Annoqui  Domini  1770 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     ------     -read 

The  Hon'^'''.  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Government  of  New  Hampshire,  Connecticut 
and  Rhode  Island 


Boston  Town  Records,  1770.  37 

The  Petition  of  diverse  of  the  Freeholders  representing  "  that  the 
Town  have  at  their  late  Meeting  Voted  to  fill  up  part  of  the  Town 
Dock  in  order  to  enlarge  the  Passage  Way,  and  that  they  appre- 
hend it  will  be  attended  with  much  greater  Expence  to  the  Town 
than  if  the  same  was  whoU}'  filled  up,  therefore  praying  that  the 
minds  of  the  Inhabitants  may  be  taken  upon  the  matter,  that  they 
may  act  upon  the  same  as  they  may  think  meet  "  —  was  read,  — 
after  debate  had  thereon —  Voted,  that  — 

John  Ruddock  Esq. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

RF.  William  Cooper 

John  S  coll  ay  Esq. 
be  a  committee  to  take  the  Petition  into  Consideration  enquire  into 
the  Titles  to  the  Dock,  and  make  Report  as  soon  as  may  be 

The  Proposal  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  for  forming  a 
Societ}^  in  order  to  promote  Arts,  Agriculture,  Manufactures  and 
Commerce  in  this  Province  "  —  was  read  and  upon  a  Motion  made 
and  seconded  —  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'^^''.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
[373.]  The  IIonb'^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

M"".  Thomas  Boylstoa 

John  Adams  Esq. 

D"^.  Joseph  Warren 

M''.  William  Dennie 
be  a  Committee  to  take  the  Proposal  into  Consideration,  and  Re- 
port as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Saturday  the  29*^. 
Instant  3  O'Clock  P:   M: 

Satturday  the  29*.  Day  of  September  3  O'Clock  P:  M:  Met  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment 

John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  being  out  of 
Town,  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  an- 
other, when  it  appeared  that  John  Ruddock  Esq.  was  chosen  Mod- 
erator, during  the  necessary  absence  of  John  Hancock  Esq 

A  Venire  for  the  choice  of  Six  Persons  to  Serve  as  Jurymen  at 
the  Infereior  Court  in  October  next  was  read  —  and  the  Town 
having  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  Jurymen,  according  to  the 
standing  Law  of  this  Province,  the  Temporary  Law  for  the  regu- 
lating the  choice  of  Petit  Jurymen  being  expired 

M'.  William  Daws 

M'".  William  Phillips 

M^  Richard  Salter 

M"".  Andrew  Boardman 

M"".  John  Scott 

M'.  Thomas  Drown 
were  the  Persons  chose,  and  the  Venire  was  then  retui'n'd  to  Con- 
stable Wells 

[374.]  The  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  the  Petition  of  a 
number  of  Inhabitants  relative  to  filling  up  the  Town  Dock,  and 
also  to  enquire  into  the  Titles  of  the  Abutters  &c.  having  informed 


38  City  Document  No.  91. 

the  Town  that  they  were  not  ready  to  make  Report  thereon  —  It 
was  the  desire  of  the  Town  that  they  would  make  Repoi  t  at  the 
Adjournment 

The  Committee  relative  to  the  proposal  of  a  number  of  the  In- 
habitants for  forming  a  Society  in  order  to  promote  Arts,  Agricult- 
ure, Manufactures  and  Commerce  in  this  Province,  not  being 
present  their  Report  which  had  been  lodged  with  the  Town  Clerk, 
was  not  read,  but  the  consideration  thereof  referred  to  the  Ad- 
journment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  next,  being 
the  8*'^.  Instant  10  O'Clock  Before  Noon 

Monday  October  8.  10.  O'Clock  A:  M:  Met  according  to 
Adjournment,  M'.  Hancock  in  the  Chair 

John  Ruddock  Esq.  Chairman  of  the  Committee  to  Consider 
the  Pi'tition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  relative  to  filling  up 
the  Dock  &".  acquainted  the  Town  that  said  Committee  were  not 
then  able  to  Report  as  fully  as  they  intended ;  and  therefore 
desired  leave  to  Report  at  the  Adjournment  which  was  accordingly 
granted. 

M"". Ruddock  then  motioned  that  as  the  business  of  the  Adjourn- 
ment was  of  considerable  importance  to  the  Inhabitants ;  the 
Selectmen  might  be  directed  to  issue  timel}'  Notifications  of  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  and  the  Business  that  will  then 
come  before  the  Town,  that  so  there  may  be  a  punctual  and 
general  attendance  of  the  Inhabitants  —  And  the  Question  being 
accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

[375.]  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday 
next  being  the  15.  of  October  inst'.  10.  O'Clock  Before  Noon 

Met  according  to  Adjournment  this  15  Day  of  October  1770. 
10  O'clock  A:  M: 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  "  to  enquire  into  the 
Titles  of  the  Abutters,  on  the  Town  Dock,  and  to  determine 
whether  the  same  shall  be  filled  up  agreable  to  the  prayer  of  a 
Petition  for  that  purpose  "  attended  this  Meeting  and  informed 
the  Town  that  they  were  only  ready  to  make  a  partial  Report  — 
whereupon  it  was  moved,  that  the  Question  be  put — "  Whether 
the  Report  of  the  Committee  should  be  received  in  so  thin  a  Meet- 
ing of  the  Inhabitants,  —  and  the  Question 

Voted,  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  of  the 
Proposal  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  for  forming  a  Society 
to  promote  Agriculture,  Manufactures  and  Commerce  in  this 
Province  as  also  the  Committee  appointed  on  the  Petition  of  a 
number  of  the  Inhabitants  relative  to  filling  up  the  Dock  &'^.  be 
desired  to  make  their  Several  Reports  at  the  next  General  Town 
Meeting 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon*"'^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  his 

Services  as  Moderator 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1771.  39 

[376.]     Prayor  was  made  by  the  Rev**.  M^  Mather 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     -------  read 


Sundry  Laws  enjoiu'd  to  be  read  at  this  Meeting  were  accord- 
ingly read 

The  Hon'''^.  Thomns  Gushing  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting  and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Rhode  Island,  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Province 

M''.  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year 
ensuing,  and  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and 
receiving  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut,  New 
Hampshire  &  Rhode  Island,  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the  fiiith- 
ful  discharge  of  his  duty,  which  Oaths  were  Administred  to  him 

by  M".  Justice  Dana 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  Seven  Selectmen  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared  that 

The  Hon'''''.  Joshua  Henshaw  Esq.  -  -  -(excused) 
ColP.  Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

John  Ruddock  Esq. 
The  Hon""'.  John  Hancock  Esq. 

Samuel  Pembeiton  Esq.  , 

M''.  Henderson  Inches  , 

M''.  Jonathan  Mason 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 

[377.]     The  Town  brought  in  their  Votos  for  Twelve  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
John  Barret  Esq. 
The  Hon""*.  Royal  Tyler  Esq. 
M''.  Benjamin  Dolbear 
M'.  William  Whitwell 
M^  William  Greanleaff 
William  White  Esq. 

M'.  Joseph  Waldo .-.--     (excused) 

John  Leveret  Esq. 
John  Gore  Esq. 
Cap*.  Samuel  Partridge 
M'.  Samuel  Whitwell 
M''.  Samuel  Abbot 

were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 
Upon   a   Motion   made   Voted,    that   4   O'Clock  Afternoon    be 
assign'd    for    the   choice   of   a  County  Register,  and   a   County 
Treasurer  — 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Wardens  and  upou 

sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

Isaac  Smith  Esq. 

ColP.  Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

M''.  David  Jeferies. 

M''.  Ebenezer  Storer 

Onesip'.  Tileston  Esq. 


40  City  Document  No.  91.     . 

John  Gore  Esq. 

Newman  Grenough  Esq. 

Cap*.  Mai'tin  Gay 

M^  Daniel  Waldo 

M^  Caleb  Davis 

M^  John  White 

M'".  Daniel  Parker 

[378.]     Were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  iu  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire- Wards  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

John  ScoUay  Esq. 

Newman  Grenough  Esq. 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

M''.  William  Cooper 

M'.  John  Mico  Wendell. 

ColP.  Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

M'.  Joseph  Tyler 

Cap*.  Adino  Paddock 

M''.  James  Richardson 

Cap*.  Benjamin  Waldo  — 

The  Hon'"^  John  H uncock  Esq. 

M'.  Samuel  Adams  — 

Thomas  Daws  Esq.  — 

M''.  Alexander  Hill  — 

Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

were  chose  Fire- Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that  M^  David  Jeffries  was  chosen 
and  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  took  the  Oath  of  Office 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duty   which  Oaths  were  Adminis- 

tred  to  him  by  M"'.  Justice 

Mess'^^  Richard  Palms 

Joseph  Dommet 

William  Fowle 

William  Smith  — 
[379.]  Moses  Grant 

Ebeuezer  liridgham 

Frede  iek  William  Geer 

Josiah  Eliot 

William  Jones  — 

John  Hunt  Tertius 

John  Nazro 

William  Cazneau 

were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Upi)n  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  the  Question  was  put  — 
Whether  Constables  &  Collectors  of  Taxes  shall  be  chose  sepper- 

ate  —  Passed  in  the  affirmative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  Remitted  out  of  the 
Ten  Pounds  Pine  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office 

of  Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  shall  decline  serving 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Pence  on  the   pound,   be  and 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1771.  41 

hereby  is  allowed  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  sliall  Col- 
lect ;  provided  theyptiy  into  the  several  Treasuries  the  whole  Sum 
committed  to  them  to  Collect  on  or  before  the  lO"'.  Day  of  August 
1772  Eight  Pence  on  the  Pound  on  all  such  other  Sums  as  they 
shall  have  so  paid  into  said  Treasuries  on  or  before  the  20'**.  Day 
of  December  1772  —  and  Four  Pence  upon  the  pound  upon  the 
remainder  of  the  Sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  Collect  provided 
such  remainder  shall  be  fully  paid  in  on  or  before  the  second 
Monday  in  March  1773  This  Premium  as  above  expressed  appears 
to  be  Just  and  equitable,  and  an  ample  Allowance  to  the  Collec- 
tors to  encourage  them  to  di-charge  their  Duty  with  diligence  and 
fidelity  ;  provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with 
sufficient  Sureties  to  the  satisfaction  of  [380.]  The  Selectmen  for 
the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duty  in  said  Office,  and  complying 

with  this  Vote 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
Mess".  Sampson  Salter 

Edward  Hollyday 

Abraham  Savage 

Benjamin  Henderson 

were  chose  into  that  Office 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assessors, 
and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M"^.  John  Kneeland 

M"".  Benjamin  Church 

Belclier  Noyes  Esq. 

M'.  Daniel  Pecker 

M'.  Jonathan  Brown 

Moses  Deshon  Esq. 

Gyles  Harris  Esq. 

were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess''^  William  Nichols 

Andrew  Symms 

Clement  Collins 

Henry  Allen 

Isaac  Vergoose 

John  Grenough 

Jacob  Thayer 

Joseph  Edmunds 

John  Skill  ins 

Richard  Walker 

John  Champney 

John  Bulfinch 
[381.]  Abraham  Howard 

Joseph  Butler 

Joseph  Eyres 

Thomas  Bayley 

Andrew  Townsend 

Joseph  Ballard 

John  Holland 


^2  City  Document  No.  91.    . 

John  Rogers 

Edmund  Ranger 

Thomas  Uran 

Elisha  Homes 

Obediah  Low 

Benjamin  Page 
were  chose  Surveyers  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  John  Joy 

Obediiih  Low 

Samuel  Dyer 

John  Dyer 

William  Crafts 

were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess''\  Samuel  Bangs 

Joseph  Clark — 

Daniel  Parks 

Benjamin  Bass 

Cap'.  Adino  Paddock  -     -     -     (excused) 

Thomas  Noland 

weie  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  William  Daws  Jun. 

Thomas  Edes 

were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing 

[283.]  Mess".  Peter  Cotta 

Manesseh  Masters 

Joseph  Dyer 

John  Harskins 

David  Spear 

Jonathan  Jenkins 

Job  Wheelright 

Joshua  Pico — 

Benjamin  Salt 

Paul  Baxter — 

John  Owen 

Thomas  Knox 

Samuel  White 

Edward  Cowell 

Edward  Potter 

Peter  Ellis 

Timothy  Pease 

Nathaniel  Waterman 

Jacob  Williams 

Samuel  Bernard  — 

John  Newell 

Joseph  Phillips 

Henry  Lucas 

Caleb  Hayden 

were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  David  Sirains 

Thomas  Curtis 
were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing 


Boston  Town  Records,  1771.  43 

M^  Thomas  Curtis 
was  chosen  Hayward  for  the  Year  ensuing — — 

[383.]                  M^  John  Gray 
was  chosen  Survey er  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  it  was  Voted,  that  the  Scav- 
ingers  be  chose  out  of  their  respective   Wards,  one   to  each  Ward 

Wards. 

Mess".  John  R.  Sigorney --N".    1 

After  Stoddard     ---------       2 

Edward  Foster-     -.-----.-       3 

Freeman  Pulsifer  ---------       4 

John  Merrit      .-----»---       5 

- '  -  Thomas  Russell     ---------       6 

Joseph  Ridgaway  ---------       7 

William  Perkins    ---------       8 

Robert  Williams   .--.--.--       9 
Elisha  Eaton    ----------10 

John  Martin     ----------H 

Benjamin  Wheeler     ------     --12 

were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing 

John  Tuder  Esq. 
M^  John  Lucas 

were  chose  Suveyers  of  Wheat  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Cap*.  Martin  Gay 
M^  John  Skinner 

were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted   that  the    Selectmen   be  desired  to  enforce  the  duty  of 

Scavingers  upon  such  as  have  been  chose  into  that  Office  ;  and  if 

they  should  find  any  defects  in  the  Laws  relating  to  those  Officers, 

that  they  Report  the  same  to  the  Town,  that  they  may  act  thereon 

as  they  shall  Judge  proper. 

[284.]  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P:  M  : 

3  O'clock  P  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment. 
The  Selectmen  Reported  on  the  Accompt  of  M^  Benjamin  Fen- 
no  Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past  which  Accompt  as 
entred  on  his  Books,  (and  on  file  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office,  was 
read  —  whereupon  it  was  Voted,  that  the  same  bo  accepted)  and 
that  M"^.  Fenno  be  accouutable  to  the  Town  for  70  bushels  of  In- 
dian Meal  and  242  bushells  of  Rye  Meal  amounting  to  £o6  ,,  12  ,, 
10  and  also  for  the  Sum  of  £154  ,,  6  ,,  7J  Cash  now  in  his  hands, 
exclusive  of  the  Sum  of  £32,,  13  ,,  4  for  his  Salary  and  attend- 
ance as  charged  in  his  Accompt,  which  is  hereby  allowed  him 

Co?l°.   Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

John  Leveret  Esq. 

M^  John  Sweetser. 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  they  are 
desired  and  impowered  to  give  all  needful  direction  to  the  Keeper 
of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantity  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  and  af- 
fixing the  price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  require  ; 
and  the  said  Committe  are  desired  and  directed  to  cause  all  the 
Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  ground  in  the  New  Mills  near 
the  Mill  Bridge  now  occupied  by  M''.  George  Leonard  — — 


44  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Town  brouglit  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Constables  the  Per- 
sons chose  into  that  Office  and  sworu  are 

Mess".  Augustus  Hail 
Elias  Dnpee 
[385.]  George  Thomas 

Francis  Salmon 
Peter  Barbour 
Stephen  Symms 
Hezekial  Usher 
John  Wells 
John  Bennet 
Thomas  Chapman 
Samuel  Greanleaff 

liclward  Blake 

The  Petition  of  a  large  numbjr  of  the  Inhabitants  Setting  forth 
*'  that  on  account  of  the  many  fatal  Accidents  that  happen  by  the 
explosion  of  Magazines  of  Powder  in  large  and  populous  Citys, 
they  apprehend  their  lives  and  properties  in  common  with  the  rest 
of  their  Fellow  Citizens  ;  to  be  ver}'  insecure  from  the  Powder 
house  being  situated  where  it  now  is,  and  therefore  praying  the 
Town  to  take  the  matter  into  Consideration  and  make  such  Ap- 
plication as  they  shall  think  effectual  for  its  removal "  was  read 
and  considered  —  whereupon  the  Question  was  put  —  Whether  the 
Town  will  make  Application  for  the  removal  of  the  Powder-house 
out  of  this  Town  to  a  place  of  greater  safety  —  Passed  in  the 
Affermative. 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  prepare  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court  praying  the  re- 
moval of  the  Powder  House  out  ">f  this  Town,  and  to  Report  at 

the  Adjournment 

Votes  for  a  Count}'  Register  brought  in  and  sealed  up  by  Con- 
stable Dupee  to  whose  care  they  are  delivered  to  be  returned  to 

the  Court  of  Sessions 

Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  brought  in  &  sealed  [386.]  up 
Constable  Dupee  to  whose  care  they  are  delivered  to  be  returned 

to  the  Court  of  Sessions 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  "  praying  that  the 
Watch  may  be  replaced  at  or  near  the  Fortification  for  reasons 

expressed  m  said  l^etition 

Voted,  that  Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Richard  Dana  Esq. 
John  Hill  Esq. 
Belcher  Noyes  Esq. 
Melatiah  Bourn  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Petition  into  Consideration  &  Report 

at  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  10. 
O'clock  before  Noon. 

Tuesday  the  12.  Day  of  March,  10  O'Clock  Before  Noon,  met 

according  to  Adjournment 

The    Moderator  having  read  to  the  Town   a  Letter  from   the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1771.  45 

Hon'''^,  Joshua.  Henshaw  Esq.  desiring  that  upon  account  of  his  ill 
state  of  health  he  might  be  excused  from  serving  as  a  Selectmen, 
into  which  Office  he  had  been  again  chosen  —  he  was  accordingly 
excused  —  And  upon  Motion 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereb_y  are  given  to 
the  Hou''''^.  Joshua  Henshaw  Esq.  for  his  faithful  services  as  a  Se- 
lectman iu  Years  past 

[287.]  The  Town  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  one  Selectman 
in  the  room  of  Joshua  Henshaw  Esq.  who  had  resigned,  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted  it  appeared  that 

M^  Ebenezer  Stcrer 
was  chosen  a  Selectman  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Selectmen 

were  chose  Surveyors  of  High  ways  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted,  that  Nicholas  Boylston  Esq. 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 

Ezel<iel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

M^  John  Pitts 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the  Ae- 
compts  of  M^  Treasurer  Jeffries  and  also  the  Accompts  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  the  said  Committee  are  enjoin'd  to  in- 
spect every  particular  Accompt  of  the  Moneys  expended  for  the 
use  of  the  Almshouse,  they  are  also  impowered  when  they  shall 
Audit  said  Accompts  to  allow  such  of  the  Overseers  as  shall  have 
advanced  Moneys  for  the  relief  of  the  Poor,  Interest  on  all  such 
Sums  from  the  time  so  advanced  till  they  shall  have  Audited  said 
Accompts  :  and  they  are  also  desired  to  Report  f lom  time  to  time 
a  state  of  a  Treasury  respecting   the  Debts  &    Credits   and    on 

many  matters  that  they  may  think  proper 

The  Petition  of  Jonathan  Payson  Esq.  setting  forth  "  that  he 
has  allowing  for  what  is  coming  to  him  as  his  premium  of  Collect- 
ing discharged  the  whole  of  what  was  due  to  the  Town  Province  & 
County  Treasurers  to  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  twenty  Pounds 
ten  Shillings  and  eight  Pence  half  Penny  ;  and  praying  that  the 
same  may  be  Remitted  him,  the  whole  of  which  having  been  in  the 
course  of  sixteen  Years,  by  means  of  [288.]  some  of  the  Persons 
assessed  going  beyond  Sea  or  into  other  Towns  and  Provinces,  be- 
coming Bankrupts  or  dying  Insolvent  as  by  a  List  to  be  offered 

will  appear"  —  was  read,  and  after  debate  had  thereon 

Voted,  that  Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 

M^  Alexander  Hill 

Meletiah  Bourn  Esq. 

M"^.  Samuel  Austin 

Ezekial  Goldthwait  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  take  the  Petition  into  consideration,  as  also  to 
examine  the  List  M'.  Payson  has  exhibited  to  the  Town  of  his 

Outstanding  Debts  —  and  to  Report  at  the  Adjournment 

The   Petition  ot  M^  John  Green    representing,  "  that  on   t' 
Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  last  being  on  his  lawful  Business  • 
Long  Lane  and  hearing  the  cry  of  Fire  he  run  up  Leverets 
and  just  as  he  turned  Mess".  Amorys  Corner,  the  Soldie^ 


46  City  Document  No.  91. 

at  which  time  one  of  the  Balls  enterd  his  Thigh,  whereby  he  was 
wounded  in  a  dangerous  manner  and  praying  that  the  Town  would 
discharge  his  Surgeons  Bill  for  reasons  therein  given  "  —  read  and 
debate  had  thereon  whereupon  it  was  Voted,  that 

ColP.  Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

M".  Samuel  Adams 

]Vr.  Peter  Boyer 
be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Petition  into  Consideration  and  make 

Report   at  the  Adjournment. 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  arc  impowered  and  di- 
rected, to  set  for  Abatement  of  such  Taxes  as  they  shall  Judge 
reasonable  on  every  Wednesday,  till  the  hist  Wednesday  in  April 
Inclusive,  and  no  longer,  saving  that  they  be  [389.]  Allovved  to  set 
the  two  last  weeks  in  November  for  the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes 
of  such  Persons  as  had  not  an  opportunity  of  applying  in  the  above 
limitted  time,  by  reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province ;  at 
which  time  they  are  also  allowed  &  impowered  to  Abate  the  Taxes 
of  such  Persons  as  may  have   died  Insolvent   between   the   said 

last  Wednesday  in  April  and  the  last  Day  of  November 

A  Letter  from  that  celebrated  Patriot,  D"".  Lucas  of  Ireland, 
owning  the  Receipt  of  one  tiansmitted  him  by  a  Committee  of  this 
Town  together  with  the  Pamphlet  relative  to  the  horred  Massacre 
in  Boston  March  5.  1770  —  was  read  and  attended  to  with  the 
highest  satisfaction 

Adjourned  to  3.  O'Clock  P :  M  : 

3  O'clock  P  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  Schoolmasters  Salarys,  and  all 
other  Salarys  and  Grants  be  referred  over  to  next  May  Meeting 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded.  Voted,  that  the  Town 
Treasurer  be  and  he  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed  to  borrow 
on  Interest  a  Sum  not  exceeding  Three  Hundred  Pounds  lawful 
Money,  for  the  use  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  to  purchase 
Grain  &c.  for  the  Alms-house. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded.  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  and  impowered  to  give  his  Ne- 
gotiable Notes  upon  Interest  to  such  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
as  are  in  advance  for  the  relief  of  the  Town,  for  such  Sums  as  ap- 
pear to  be  due  to  them  respectively,  upon  the  Auditing  of  their 
Acco*  to  y^  present  Month. 

[290.]     D''.  Lucas's  Letter  was  again  read  and  upon  a  Motion 

Voted,  that  The  Hon''"'.  James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
D^  Joseph  Warren 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
Richard  Dana  Esq. 
M'.  Samuel  Adams, 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  return  a  respectful 
answer  to  this  Letter 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby 
are  directed  and  impowered  to  take  effectual  care  that  the  Com- 
mon is  inclosed  and  kept  inclosed ;  And  also  to  bring  such 
Actions  as  they  may  think  necessary  to  prevent  or  remove  any 
Incumbrances  upon  the  Towns  Lands,  and  for  obtaining  damages 
for  the  same  —  also 


Boston  Town  Records,  1771.  47 

Voted,  that  the  Seloetmen  be  directed    to   publish    the    above 

Vote  in  all  the  News  Papers  with  a  suitable  preamble 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'— "  Whether  the  Town  will 
determine  upon  some  suitable  Method  to  perpetuate  the  memory 
of  the  horred  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5.  of 
March  1770  —  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of  the  29.  Regiment"  — 

and  after  debate  had  thereon 

Voted,  that  The  Hon'"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M\  Samuel  Adams 
D^  Benjamin  Church 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Richard  Dana  Esq. 
D'.  Joseph  Warren 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  take  under  Consideration  this  Article  in  the 

[391-]    Warrant,    and  Report  at  the  Adjournment 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  —  Viz.'  — ' '  That  some  steps  may  be 
taken  to  vindicate  the  Character  of  the  Inhabitants  grosly  injured 
by  some  partial  and  false  publications  relative  to  the  tryals  of 
Cap'.  Preston  &"  "  —  was  read  —  and  after  debate  had   thereon 

Voted,  thatM"'.  "William  Cooper 

John  Ruddock  Esq. 
D^  Thomas  Young 
M^   William  Greanleaff 

M''.  John  Sweetser 

be    a   Committee   to    take    this   Article    into    Consideration    and 

Report  as  soon  as  may  be 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz.  —  "  To  consider  what  Meas- 
ures are  proper  for  procuring  some  suitable  Person  or  Persons  to 
undertake  the  sweeping  of  Chimnies,  whereby  the  Town  will  be 

better  secured  from  Fires  "  —  was  read  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Austin 

be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Article  into  Consideration,  and  Report 

at  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  19.  of 
March  Instant  9.  O'Clock  Before  Noon 

Tuesda}'  March  19.  Met  according  to  Adjournment. 

M"^.  Joseph  Waldo  informed  the  Town  that  he  was  intending  a 
Voyage  to  England  and  therefore  declined  serving  in  the  Office  of 
an  [393.]  Overseer  to  which  he  had  been  chosen  —  M'.  Waldo 
was  accordingly  excused —  and  upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  That 
the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  said  M".  Waldo  for  his 
faithful  Services  as  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  in  Years  past 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of 
the  Town  be  and  hereb}^  are  given  to  Cap'.  William  Homes  Esq. 
for  his  faithful  services  as  a  Fire  Ward  a  number  of  Years  past 

The  Committee  chosen  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Petition 
of  Jonathan  Payson  t^  q.  not  being  able  to  Report  thereon  were 
desired  to  do  it  nexi  jlay  Meeting 


48  City  Document  'No.  91. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor 
in  the  room  of  M'".  Joseph  Waldo  who  has  resigned  and  upon  sort- 
ing them  it  appeared  that 

M^  Daniel  Waldo 

was  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 
The  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  of  some  Suitable  Method 
to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  horred  Massacre  perpetrated  on 
the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770.  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of 
the  29*''  Regiment — Reported  as  their  Opinion  —  "That  for  the 
present  the  Town  make  choice  of  a  proper  Person  to  deliver  an 
Oration  at  such  Time  as  may  be  Judged  most  convenient  to  com- 
memorate the  barbarous  muiTler  of  five  of  our  Fellow  Citizens  on 
that  fatal  Day,  and  to  impress  upon  our  minds  the  ruinous  ten- 
dency of  standing  Armies  in  Free  Cities,  and  the  necessity  of 
such  noble  exertions  in  all  future  times,  as  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  then  made,  wher^-by  the  designs  of  the  Conspirators  ngainst 
the  public  Liberty  may  be  still  frustrated  —  And  the  Committee 
in  order  to  compleat  the  Plan  of  some  standing  Monument  of 
[393.]  Military  Tyrany  begg'd  to  be  indulged  with  further 
time  "  —  wliich  Report  being  accepted  it  was  Voted  unanimously 
that  the  Town  will  now  come  to  the  choice  of  an  Orator  agreable 

to  the  Report  of  thoir  Committee 

M^  Samuel  Hunt  and  James  Lovel  were  then  nominated  in  or- 
der for  the  Town  to  make  choice  of  one  of  them  to  be  the  Orator 

on  this  Occasion 

The  Inhabitants  as  directed  then  withdrew  and  brought  in  their 
Votes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
M''.  James  Lovel 

was  unanimously  chosen 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M^  Samuel  Adams 
D"".  Benjamin  Church 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Richard  Dana  Esq. 
D'".  Joseph  Warren 
Samuel  Peraberton  F^sq. 
Samuel  Swift  Esq, 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  M"".  James  Lovel.  and 
acquaint  him  that  the  Town  have  unanimously  made  choice  of  him 
to  deliver  an  Oration  in  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  2^.  of  April 

next  10.  O'clock  Before  Noon 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 


The  Hon'"^  James  Pitts  Esq. 
The  Hon*"'^.  Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 
Coll".  Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 
Majo'.  John  Ruddock  Esq. 
The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
M^  Henderson  Inches 
[394.]  M'.  Jonathan  Mason 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1771.  49 

M'.  Samuel  Payne 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
John  Barrett  Esq. 

A  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  13  :  of  June  1769  to 
prosecute  in  the  Law  the  Proprietors  of  the  Grist  Mills  at  the 
North  part  of  Boston,  be  and  hereby  are  directed  to  discontinue 

the  Suit  they  had  commenced  by  Order  of  the  Town Also 

Voted,  that  the  above  Committee  be  directed  to  renew  the  Boun- 
daries of  the  Towns  Grants  to  the  Proprietors  of  the  Grist  Mills  in 
Boston  by  Erecting  some  permanent  Monuments,  and  to  Report  at 
May  Meeting 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  of  M"".  John 
Green  Reported,  as  their  Opinion  —  "  That  there  be  paid  out  of 
the  Town  Treasury  into  the  hands  of  the  Petitioner  the  Sum  of 
Twelve  Pounds  fifteen  Shillings  for  the  purpose  of  discharging  the 
Surgeons  Bill  mentioned  in  the  Petition  —  The  Committee  also 
Reported — That  in  Consideration  of  the  present  distressed  Cir- 
cumstances of  the  Petitioner  occasioned  by  the  misfortune  set 
forth  in  his  Petition,  the  Exponce  he  was  necessarily  put  to  by 
menus  thereof,  and  his  inabilit}?  to  work  at  his  trade  or  do  any- 
thing for  the  support  of  his  numerous  Family  for  near  Seven 
Months,  the  further  Sum  of  P^ighteen  Pounds  be  paid  to  him  out 
of  the  T  ,\vn  Treasury  ;  and  that  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  give 
liim  an  Order  on  the  Treasurer  for  the  aforesaid  sum,"  —  which 
Report  being  read  and  considered,  the  Question  was  put, 
'•  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Afferma- 
tive 

Committee  to  wait  upon  M'.  Lovel  reported  [395.]  That  they 
had  waited  upon  him  accordingly,  and  received  foe  answer  that  he 
should  comply  with  the  Vote  of  the  Town  desiring  him  to  pro- 
nounce an  Oration  on  the  2d.  of  April  next  — — 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  12*.  Instant  to  Consider  the 
request  of  a  number  of  Peisons  that  some  steps  may  be  taken  to 
vindicate  the  Character  of  the  Town  Inhabitants,  grosly  injured 
by  some  partial  and  false  Publications  relative  to  the  Tj'yals  of 
Cap'.  Preston  &c.  —  Rei)ort 

"That  having  made  such  enquiries  and  examinations  as  the 
short  time  allowed  them  would  permit,  it  plainly  nppeai-s  to  your 
Committee  that  the  Character  of  the  Inhabitants  has  been  grosly 
injured  in  a  Pami)hlet  entitled  a  Narrative  of  theTryals  &c.  said 
to  be  printed  by  permission  of  the  Hon'''''.  Court,  and  also  in  sev- 
eral anonimous  publications  :  This  Pamphlet  can  be  considered 
as  no  other  than  a  mutilated  and  partial  Account  of  the  tryal  of 
the  Soldiers,  some  of  the  Evidences  produced  in  Court  being  left 
out,  as  also  what  was  offered  in  behalf  of  the  Crown  by  M'".  Pain, 
while  some  Affidavits  ai'e  found  there  which  were  not  taken  in 
Court  in  the  cours,;  of  these  trvals  :  As  to  the  Anonimous  Publi- 
C'ltions  they  are  evidently  intended  to  mislead  the  People  of  the 
Colonies  and  the  Mother  Country  into  the  apprehension  that  the 
Inhabitants  of  this  Town  were  the  Aggressors  on  the  bloody 
Evening  of  the  5*.  of  March  ;  that  a  plan  had  been  formed  to 
attack  the  Soldiery,  and  drive  them  from  Boston  previous  to  the 


50  City  Document  No.  91. 

horred  Massacre ;  that  the  Troops  were  accordingly  first  at- 
tacked by  the  Inhabitants,  and  tlie  Party  of  Soldiers  near  the 
Custom  House  put  into  such  iminent  hazard  of  their  lives  as  to 
Justify  their  firing  upon  the  People,  and  the  Slaughter  that  en- 
sued ;  that  the  bringing  M^  Manwai  reu  a  Tide  Water  upon 
tryal  for  a  supposed  firing  from  the  Custom  House  was  without 
the  least  colour  of  Evidence  to  Justify  it  and  a  malicious  proceed- 
ure,  wholly  calculated  to  bring  disgrace  upon  the  Commissioners 
of  the  Customs  and  their  under  Officers  ;  and  that  consequently 
the  Pamphlet  entitled  a  Narrative  of  the  horred  [396o]  Massacre 
&c.  which  was  transmitted  by  order  of  the  Town  to  a  number  of 
Lords  and  Gentlemen  in  Great  Britain  &  Ireland  was  an  imper- 
fect erroneous  account  of  the  transactions  on  that  dreadful  Night, 

and  quite  undeserving  the  least  share  of  Credit. 

Your  Committee  do  not  presume  to  give  their  Opinion  whether 
these  Matters  may  with  propriety  be  taken  up  by  the  Town  as  no 
Town  can  be  Justly  chargeable  with  the  Crimes  real  or  supposed 
of  a  few  of  its  Inhabitants  —  but  if  the  Town  should  apprehend 
that  the  reputation  and  interest  of  the  Inhabitants  in  general  is  in 
danger  of  eventuall}'  suffering  on  this  occasion,  and  that  it  would 
not  well  become  them  to  see  even  the  Characters  of  a  few  Towns- 
men unjustly  impeach'd  and  dishonored  when  they  have  it  so 
much  in  their  power  to  do  them  Justice : —  Your  Committee 
would  then  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  appointment  of  another 
Committee  who  shall  be  directed  to  prepare  and  draw  up  a  true 
and  full  account  of  those  Tryals  and  what  preceeded  them,  with 
Just  and  proper  remarks  thereon  and  on  the  misrepresentations 
contained  in  the  several  publications  ;  which  may  serve  as  an  Ap- 
pendix to  the  Pamphlet  before  published  by  the  Town  ;  in  this 
Peport  the  manner  of  proceeduro  on  one  side  and  the  other  in  the 
choice  of  Jurors  and  Talesmen,  —  the  Sentiments  &  prejudicjs 
which  some  of  them  discovered  before  the  tryal ;  the  Characters  of 
several  of  the  Witnesses,  the  discoveries  which  were  offered  to  be 
made  either  in  Court  or  to  the  Council  on  the  part  of  the  Crown 
which  were  not  attended  to  ;  the  Witnesses  that  were  abroad  or 
dead  whose  Affidavits  were  printed  in  the  Towns  Pamphlet,  and 
other  Evidences  which  were  offered  to  the  Council  but  not  taken  ; 
the  Lines  drawn  and  stipulations  made  by  the  Council  on  each  side 
previous  to  entring  upon  Action  which  any  ways  effected  th.e 
Issue  ;  and  the  political  manoevers  made  by  the  Managers  in  the 
course  [397.]  of  those  Tryals  shall  be  precisely  stated.  Your 
Committee  are  further  of  Opinion  that  said  Committee  in  order  to 
produce  a  clear  and  full  vindication  of  the  Town  should  be  di- 
rected to  apply  unto  two  or  more  Majestrates,  that  the  necessary 
affidavits  may  be  taken  in  perpetuam.  also  to  the  several  Gentle- 
men of  the  Law  who  were  concerned  or  present  at  those  Tryals, 
and  even  to  tlie  Hon'''''.  Judges  themselves,  that  so  nothing  may 
be  asserted  but  can  be  well  supported  by  good  Evidences  and 
Authority  ;  when  we  doubt  not  your  Committee  will  be  able  to 
make  it  manifest  to  the  World ;  that  the  Executions  of  the 
Military  on  the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770.  were  not  more 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1771.  51 

unprecedented  and  barbarous  than  they    were  unnecessary   and 

wanton  —  All  which  is  submitted 

William  Cooper,  pr.  Order 


The  above  Report  having  been  read,  and  debate  had  thereon  it 

was  Voted,  that  the  same  be  so  far  accepted  as  that 

M"'.  William  Cooper 
John  Ruddock  Esq. 
D^  Thomas  Young 
M^  William  Greenleaff 
JNP.  John  Sweetser 
C.  Benjamin  Church 
D'.  Joseph  Warren 
M''.  Samuel  Adams 
The  Hon**'^.  James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
be  a   Committee  to  consider  the  facts  therein  mentioned,  and  as- 
certain them  by  such  Evidence  as  can  be  had,  and  to  make  such 
Observations  and   Remarks  thereon  as  they  shall  think  pertinent, 
and  lay  the  same  b?fore  the  Town  as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted,  that  D"".  Charles  Chancey  be  desired  to  open  the  Meeting 
on  which  the  Oration  is  to  be  delivered  by  M"".  Lovel,  with  Prayer. 

The  Honourable  John  Hnncock  Esq.  having  generously  [398.] 
Offered  to  put  the  Orators  Desk  in  Mourning  on  the  Day  the  Oration 
relative  to  the  late  Massacre  is  to  be  pronounced  —  The  Town 
gratefully  accepted  of  the  offer 

The  Committee  appointed  "  to  consider  what  measures  are  prop- 
er for  procuring  some  suitable  Person  or  Persons  to  undertake 
the  sweeping  of  Chimnies  &c  "  are  desired  to  Report  at  May  Meet- 
ing   

The  Committee  appointed  to  wait  on  M''.  Lovel,  are  desired  to 
wait  upon  the  Rev^.  D^  Chauncey,  and  acquaint  him,  that  it  is  the 
desire  of  the  Town  that  he  would  pray  with  them  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  of  the  Petition  of  a  num- 
ber of  Inhabitants  that  the  Wateh  may  be  replaced  at  or  near  the 
Fortification  for  Reasons  expressed  in  the  said  Petition  —  Re- 
ported —  That  they  had  pursuant  to  their  appointment  considered 
the  Petition  relative  to  the  Watch,  and  view'd  the  place  where  the 
new  Southern  Watch-house  stands,  and  the  Land  at  &  adjoining  to 
the  Fortification  on  each  side  of  the  Street  there  ;  &  that  they  are 
fully  of  Opinion  that  a  good  strong  Watch  be  placed  and  kept  at 
or  near  the  said  Fortification  as  soon  as  may  be  but  that  the 
aforesaid  Watch-house  will  for  the  present  sufHce  as  well  or  better 
than  one  built  any  where  else  within  the  Old  Gate- way  of  the  said 
Fortification  and  the  Town  will  thereby  save  a  considerable  Ex- 
pence   

The  above  Report  having  been  considered  the  Question  was  put 
—  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted — Passed  in  the  Affer- 
mative 

Voted  that  this  Meeting  l)e  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  second  of 
April  10.  O'clock  A:  M 

[399.]  Tuesday  the  2i.  Day  of  April  10.  O'Clock  Before  Noon 
Met  according  to  Adjourment 


52  City  Document  No.  91. 

A  Venire  for  the  choice  of  Six  Persons  to  serve  as  Jury  Men 
for  April  Court  —  was   read  —  and    the  following  Persons  were 

drawn  as  Jurymen  in  Town  Meeting  —  Viz'. 

Mess".  Ephraim  Copeland 
Jacob  Homer 
David  Spear 
Edward  CoweU 
Sutton  Byles 
Timothy  White 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'''^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 

Eichard  Dana  Esq. 
The  Hon*"'®.  John,  Hancock  Esq. 

M"".  Ebenezer  Storer 

M"^.  Samuel  Adams 

D^  Benjamin  Church 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  a  proper 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  b^^.  of  March  next  to 
perpetuate  the  memorj'  of  the  horred  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the 
Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770 — by  a  party  of  Soldiers  of  the 
29.  Regiment;  and  to  impress  upon  our  minds,  the  ruinous  ten- 
dency of  standing  Armies  being  placed  in  free  and  populous 
Cities  ;  and  the  necessity  of  such  noble  Exertions  in  all  future 
times  as  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  then  made,  whereby  the 
Conspirators  against  the  Publick  Liberty  may  be  still  frustrated  — 
The  Hall  not  being  capacious  enough  to  receive  the  Inhabitants 
it  was  moved  that  the  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  the  Old  South 
Church;  and    [300.]  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourned  to 

said  Church 

The  Inhabitants  being  met  agreable  to  Adjournment  at  the  Old 
South  Church  The  Rev*^.  D"^.  Chauncey  in  conformity  to  the  Vote 
of  the  Town,  made  a  Prayer  very  suitable  to  the  occasion. 

An  Oration  to  commemorate  the  honed  Massacre  of  the  5  of 
March  1770  was  delivered  by  M'.  James  Lovel  to  a  crowed  As- 
sembly ;  agreable  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town 

Upon  a  Motion  made  it  was  Voted,  unanimously  that 

The  Hon'"".  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  Moderator 
The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M"",  Samuel  Adams 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
D"".  Benjamin  Church 

Richard  Dana  Esq. 
]\F.  Henderson  Inches 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  return  the  Thanks  of 
this  Town  to  M''.  James  Lovel  for  the  Oration  delivered  by  him  at 
their  request,  in  commemoration  of  the  horred  Massacre  perpe- 
trated on  the  Evening  of  the  5"^.  of  March  1770  —  by  a  Party  of 
Soldiers  of  the    29  Regiment ;  and  to  desire  a  Copy   thereof  for 

the  Press 

Voted  unanimously  that  all  Matters  &  Things  which  remain  un- 
finished at  this  Meeting  be   referred  over  to  the   General  Town 


Boston  Town  Eecokds,  1771.  53 

Meeting    in    Maj'-   next   to    be    then   considered    of    and    acted 

upon 

Voted,  Unanimously  tliat  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  here- 
by are  given  to  Hon"^'^.  Thomas  Gushing  Usq.  Moderator  of  this 

Meeting  for  dispatclnng  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 

[301.]  At  a  Meeting  of  tlie  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabit- 
ants of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  public 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  seventh 

Day  of  May  Anno  Domini  1771 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev''.  M''.  Bowen 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 

Sundry  Laws  enjoin'd  read  at  this   Meeting  were  accordingly 

read 

Joseph  Jackson  Esq,  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their 
Name  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of 
one  or  more  Persons  to  Represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General 

Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held   at upon  Wednesday  the    29. 

Day  of  May  currant  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider  and  ascer- 
tain the  number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected.  Accordingly  it  was 
Voted,  1o  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Four  Representatives,  and  then 
it  was  declared  by  the  Selectmen  that  no  Vote  will  be  received 
but  such  as  are  unfolded,  and  that  they  propose  the  Poll  shall  be 

closed  at  12  O'Clock 

The  Votes  being  l^rought  in  the  Number  of  the  Same  were  found 
to  be  Four  hundred  and  ten,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared 
that  the  Four  following  Gentlemen  were  chose  —  Viz'. 

Votes. 

The  Ilon'"^  James  Otis  Esq 399 

The  Hon'''^  Tliomas  Gushing  Esq.       -     -     -     -     410 

The  Hon^'^  John  Hancock  Esq. 410 

M""  Samuel  Adams      -     -     -   * 403 

The  choice  of  Representatives  beuig  over  and  declared  by  the 
Selectmen  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw,  and  bring 
[30^.]  In  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  in  order 
that  the  Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs  men- 
tioned in  the  Warrant.  Accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew, 
and  brought  in  their  Votes  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
the  Hon**'^  James  Otis  Esq.  was  chosen 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3.  O'Clock  P :'  M  : 

Three  O'Clock  P :  M  :  Met  According  to  adjournment. 

The  Petition  of  M^  Jacob  Emmons  "  that  an  adequate  Allow- 
ance may  be  made  him  for  the  Lands  taken  from  them  by  his  Maj- 
estys  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
in  oi'der  to  make  a  new  Street  or  widen  the  same  leading  from 
Ann  Street  to  Middle  Street,  or  that  he  ma^-  be  otherwise  relieved 
by  the  Town,  in  such  manner  as  to  Justice  &  equity  appertains  :  " 
—  was  read  and  large  debate  had  thereon  —  then  the  Question 
was  put — Whether  the  Petition  shall  be  sustained — Passed  in 
the  AfFermative 

Voted,  that  D^  Thomas  Young 
M^  William  Cooper 


54  City  Document  No.  91. 

M^  Ezekiel  Price 
M'.  Samuel  Austin 
M^  William  Mollineux 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider  the  Petition 
of  M^  Jacob  Emmons  and  Report  at  the  Adjournment  what  they 

think  proper  to  be  done  thereon 

That  Article  in  the  Warrynt  Viz*.  "  Whether  the  Town  will  give 
Instructions  to  the  Gentlemen  that  may  be  chose  to  [303.]  Rep- 
resent them  in  the  next  General  Assembly  "  —  was  read  and  Con- 
sidered ;  and  the  Question  then  put  —  Whether  the  Town  will  now 

Instruct  their  Representatives  —  Passed  in  the  Negative 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Grant  of 
Moneys  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor  and  defreying  other  necessary 

Charges,  be  referred  over  to  the  Adjournment — also 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  the  Sums  to   be  allowed  the 

Schoolmasters  &c  be  referred  over  to  the  Adjournment ■ 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston  in  Town 

Meeting  Assembled  May  7,  1771 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  at  their  Annual  Meeting  the  8  : 
Day  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  visit  the  several  pub- 
lick  Schools  iu  the  Town,  and  to  invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accom- 
pany them  therein   as   they  should  think  proper  and   to   Report 

thereon 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  attended  that  service  on  Wednes- 
day the  4  :  Day  of  July  last  accompanied  by  the  following  Gen- 
tlemen —  Viz'. 

His  Honour  the  Lieuet'.  Governor 

The  Hon''^".  John  Erving  Esq. 
James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq. 
Harrison  Gray  Esq. 
Royal  Tyler  Esq. 
*  James  Pitts  Esq. 

John  Temple  Esq. 
Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 
Andrew  Oliver  Esq. 
[304.]  The  Representatives  of  the  Town 
The  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
The  Rev^    Charles  Chauncy  -     D  :  D 
Mather  Bvles     -     -     -     D :  D 
Andrew  Eliot     -     -     -     D :  D 
Ebenezer  Pemberton  -     D  :  D 
Samuel  Cooper  -     -     -     D :  D 
Samuel  Mather 
Peneuil  Bowen 
Simeon  Howard 
John  Morehead 
Andrew  Croswell 
Samuel  Stillman 
Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
M'.  Edward  Payne 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1771.  55 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

M''.  Rufus  Green 

Cap'.  John  Bradford 

M^  Timothy  Fitch 

Ouesiphorus  Tileston  Esq. 

Cap'.  Benjamin  Eustis 

Nathaniel  Baleston  Esq. 

M*"  Thomas  Greenough 

M''.  Joshua  Blanchard 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

Cap'.  John  Phillips 

Isaac  Smith  Esq. 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

M-".  Henry  Liddle 
And  found  the  South   Grammar  School  had    137   Scholars ;   the 
North  Grammar  School  56  Scholars,  the  South  Writing  School  231 
Scholars   the  North  Writing  School    250  Scholars ;    the  Writing 
School  in   [305.]  Queen  Street  268  Scholars  ;  all  in  very  good 

order 

Voted  that  the  above  Report  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Gentle- 
men the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  Visit  the  publick  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing,  and  invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  as  they 

ma}'^  think  proper 

The  Committee  appointed  to  take  into  Consideration  that  Arti- 
cle in  the  Warrant  of  the  11.  of  March  relating  to  the  sweeping  of 
Chimnies,  have  attended  that  Service    and  Report  as  follows  — 

Viz'. 

Supposing  that  there  is  1800  Dwelling  Houses,  and  that  3  Fun- 
nels be  estimated  to  an  House  the  number  of  Funnels  would  then 
be  5400  —  and  if  necessary  to  be  swept  four  times  p  Year  would 
be  equal  to  21600  Funnels,  which  at  the  present  price  would 
amount  to  more  than  £1200  —  and  it  is  supposed,  that  it  costs 
many  who  are  careful  to  have  their  Chimnies  swept  15/  or  16/  p 
Year ;  notwithstanding  which  by  their  Neighbors  neglecting  to 
sweep  their  Chimnies  their  Houses  are  coaastantly  in  more  danger 
from  such  then  from  their  own.  And  as  manj-  Plans  have  been 
proposed  for  Ihe  Consideration  of  the  Town,  and  the  mischieves 
complain'd  of  have  not  been  prevented,  which  must  appear  noto- 
rious to  the  Inhabitants  ;  Your  Committee  ai"e  of  Opinion  that  if 
some  such  Plan  as  the  following  be  come  into,  it  would  be  found 
very  beneficial  to  the  Community,  that  the  Expence  arising  by  the 
sweeping  of  the  Chimnies  be  paid  by  a  Tax  as  the  other  charges  of 
the  Town  —  that  there  be  a  Master  and  six  Sweepers,  said  Mas- 
ter to  be  a  Man  of  a  fair  Character,  and  that  will  carefully  attend 
the  Business  ;  and  he  to  be  allowed  £100  —  and  for  each  of  the 
Six  Sweepers  £50  —  lawful  Money  p  Year  to  be  paid  Quarterly 
which  Sums  make  £400  —  by  which  a  saving  will  be  made  (sup- 
posing all  the  above  Chimnies  were  swept  as  they  ought  to  be)  of 
£800 — p  Annum  at  least.  The  said  Master  to  be  [306.]  Appointed 
by  and  under  the  direction  of  the  Selectmen ;  and  shall  keep  a 
Book  of  all  the  Dwelling  Houses,  the  number  of  Funnels  made  use 


56  City  Document  No.  91. 

of  in  each  House  and  Ward,  and  that  he  begin  with  one  Ward, 
sweep  through,  and  so  on  minuting  the  time  of  sweeping  in  order 
to  exhibit  the  same  to  the  Selectmen  ;  who  shall  draw  upon  the 
Treasurer  once  a  quarter  for  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds 
upon  his  rendring  to  them  an  Account  to  their  satisfaction,  that 
the  Funnels  have  been  swept  in  each  Ward  ;  and  that  if  any 
Chimnies  catch  on  fire  by  his  neglecting  to  sweep  the  same,  or  by 
the  carelessness  of  the  Servants  in  sweeping  that  he  be  subject  to 
u  fine  of — And  that  said  Master  provide  the  Books,  suitable 
clothing  and  Implements  for  the  sweepers,  and  all  other  Charges 
attending  the  same.  Upon  the  above  Plan  it  will  turn  out  12 
Funnels  p  Dav  for  each  Sweeper,  allowing  him  300  —  working 
Days  which  will  compleat  the  above  21. GOO  Funnels.  After 
tryal  being  made  should  it  appear  that  there  are  more  Houses  & 
Funnels  then  in  the  above  Estimate,  in  that  case  the  Gentlemen 
the  Selectmen  may  make  such  an  allowance  to  the  Master  as  will 

be  in  proportion  to  the  above  Plan 

Thomas  Daws 
Jonathan  Williams 
Samuel  Austin 

The  above  Report  having  been  read,  it  was  motioned  and  car- 
ried that  tlie  same  la}'  till  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  ;  then 
to  be  considered  of  by  the  Town 

Voted,  that  the  Gen;lemen  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby 
are  appointed  a  ('ommittee  to  act  upon  the  List  of  Jurors. 

Upon  a  mution  made  Voted,  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to 
insert  in  the  News  Papers  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  and 
that  the  consideration  of  Salarys  and  Grants  as  also  of  the  [307.] 
Sum  necessary  to  be.  raised  for  Relief  of  the  Poor  and  defraying 
other  necessary  Charges  within  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing,  will 
then  come  on 

Voteil,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  the  27.  of 
May  Instant  3.  O'Clock  P  :  M  : 

Tuesday  the  27.  of  May  3.  O'Clock  P:M:  Met  according  to 
Adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Accompts  of  M''. 
David  Jeffries  Town  Treasurer  have  attended  that  service  &  find 
the  same  right  cast  and  well  vouched  in  which  he  charges  himself 
with  sundry  Fines,  Rents  and  oiilier  Incomes  of  the  Town,  as  also 
with  the  Tux  of  £1000  ,,  —  ,,  all  which  amount  to  the  Sum  of 
£10599  ,,  5  ,,  3  .  including  the  balance  of  old  Accompt 

And  the  said  Treasurer  discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abate- 
ments made  t!ie  Collectors  amounting  to  £967.7.3.  by  Drafts 
made  by  the  Selectmen  amounting  to  £3024  ,,  18  ,,  5f  of  which  he 
has  paid  £2910  ,,  10  ,,  10^.  and  by  Drafts  made  by  the  Overseers  of 
the  Poor  which  contain  the  Charges  of  the  Almshouse  amounting 
to  £2850  ,,  17  ,,  1.  of  which  he  has  paid  £2177  ,,  0  ,,  Oji  also  by 
sundry  Sums  paid  for  Interest  amounting  to  £486  ,,  1  ,,  6^  the 
whole  amounting  to  £7525  ,,  2  ,,  4^. 

The  said  Committee  have  inspected  said  Drafts  in  a  very  partic- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1771,  57 

ular  manner  and  have  examined  the  Vouchers  produced  by  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  amount  of  their  Drafts  and  every 
other  branch  of  publick  Charge  amounting  in  all  as  above  to 
£7525  ,,  2  ,,  4^  as  by  Accompt  of  Town  Treasury  in  the  Town 
Treasurers  Books  balance  whereof  being  £3074  ,,  2  ,,  10|  is  car 
ried  to  Credit  of  New  Account 


Which  Report  and  Accompt  being  read,  Voted,  that  the  same 
be  and  hereby  is  accepted 

[308.]  The  Committee  appointed  to  Consider  the  Petition  of 
M''.  Jacob  Emmons  ''  that  a  Grant  of  Moneys  ma}-  be  made  him 
to  satisfy  for  the  great  loss  he  has  sustained  by  having  his  Lands 
taken  from  him  in  order  to  enlarge  a  Street  laid  out  through  Paddys 
Alley,  and  to  Report  what  they  may  think  proper  to  be  done 
thereon  having  attended  that  Service  would  now  Report  — — 

That  it  appears  to  your  Committee  that  the  Petitioner  has  noi 
as  yet  pursued  the  steps  of  the  Law  in  order  to  obtain  a  recom 
pence  for  the  loss  of  his  Land  &''.  which  they  apprehend  ought  to 
be  done  so  that  those  who  are  benifitted  by  his  Lands  may  be 
legally  assessed  for  the  value  thereof,  — ■  But  if  after  such  Assess- 
ment the  Petitioner  should  apprehend  he  has  sustained  some  ex 
traordinar^'  damage  which  the  Jury  could  not  find  for  him  a  Peti- 
tion for  such  damage  might  then  with  more  propriety  come  before 
the  Town 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  and  Considered  — the 
Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted — ■ 
Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  twenty  Pounds  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  I\P.  John  Lovcl  for  his  Salary-  as  Master  of 
the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the 
expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  and  twenty  pounds  ])e 
allowed  and  paid  unto  M^  Samuel  Hunt  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  North  Grammar  School,  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence 
at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  [309.]  Allowed 
and  paid  unto  M"^.  John  Proctor  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the 
Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at 
the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
pay'd  unto  M''.  Samuel  Holbroke  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the 
Writing  School  in  the  Common  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at 
the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  paid 
unto  M^  John  Tileston  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  at  the  North  End  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the 
expiration  of  the  la.st  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  paid  unto 


58  City  Document  No.  91. 

M''.  James  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quaiterly  as 
it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter 

Voted,  that  a  further  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  be  allow'd  and  paid 
unto  M'',  James  Lovel  as  an  encouragement  for  him  to  remain  and 
exert  himself  in  the  service  of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year,  the ' 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  com- 
mence at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  unto 
M^  James  Carter  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  Writing  School  in 
Queen  Street  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter 

[310.]  Voted,  that  a  further  Sum  of  Twent}^  five  Pounds  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  ]\P.  James  Carter  as  an  encouragement  for 
him  to  exert  himself  in  the  service  of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year, 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  to 
such  Person  as  the  Selectmen  shall  appoint  an  Assistant  for  the 
Master  of  (he  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  ensuing  Year 
the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to 
commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Thirty  four  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  unto  M''.  John  Tileston  Master  of  the  "Writing  School  at  the 
North  End  for  providing  an  Assistant  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  &  to  com- 
mence at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  M"".  David  Jeffries  for  his 
Services  as  Treasurer  of  the  Town  the  Year  past,  and  for  all  his 
Expences  in  that  Office 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  and  he  hereby  is  directed 
and  impowered  to  allow  the  several  Schoolmasters  Interest  on  the 
Sums  due  to  them  from  the  Date  of  their  Warrants  to  the  Time  of 
payment 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that 
M^  William  Whitwell 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

[311,]  Meletiah  Bourn  Esq. 

M^  Alexander  Hill 

M'.  Ezekiel  Price 

be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  examine  the  Town 
Treasurers  Accompts  now  before  the  Town,  and  to  make  a  full 
enquiry  into  the  state  of  the  Town  Treasury  and  the  Debts  & 
Credits  of  the  Town,  as  also  to  Report  the  same  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment together  with  what  Sum  or  Sums  may  be  necessary  to  be 
raised  the  ensuing  Year  as  a  Town  Tax 

Voted  that  M^  William  Whitwell 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
Melitiah  Bourn  Esq. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1771.  59 

M'.  Alexander  Hill 

M^  Ezekiel  Price 
be  a  standing  Committee  to  inspect  the  State  of  the  Town  Treas- 
ury and  from  time  to  time  to  Report  upon  that  and  other  Money 
matter ;  and  if  they  see  fit  to  apply  to  the    Seclectmen  for  a  Town 

Meeting  to  be  called  upon  the  same 

Voted  that  M"".  William  Whitwell 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

Meletiah  Bourn  Esq.  f 

M^  Alexander  Hill 

M"".  Ezekiel  Price 
be  and   hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  call  upon  the   late 
Manufactory  Company  for  the  Moneys  due  from  them  to  the  Town, 
and  if  they  do  not  pay  the  same,  that  they  then  apply  to  the  Town 

Treasurer  to  bring  an  Action  against  them  for  the  same 

The  Committee   appointed  to  Consider  of  the   Petition   of  M''. 
Jonathan  Payson  late  one  of  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  in  I  his  Town 

referred  to  them  the  11.  of  March  last,  now  Report —  [312.] 

That  they  have  several  times  met  the  Petitioner,  and  patiently  heard 
him  relative  to  the  subject  matter  of  his  Petition  and  the  prayer 
thereof,  they  have  also  considered  of  his  List  of  Outstanding 
Taxes,  and  several  times  met  the  Gentlemen  the  Assessors  and 
heard  them,  and  upon  examining  said  List  exhibited  by  the  Peti- 
tioner find  that  the  Sum  of  £10  ,,  15  ,,  1.  contained  in  said  List 
as  Outstanding  Debts  was  abated  him  by  the  Assessors  a  consid- 
erable time  since,  and  as  to  many  of  the  other  Taxes  in  said  List, 
if  M^  Payson  never  received  them,  the  Comraitlee  npprehend  it 
must  be  principally  owing  to  his  own  negligence  several  of  I  he  Per- 
sons taxed  were  to  the  pei'sonal  knowledge  of  the  Committee  then 
in  good  circumstances,  and  well  able  to  pay,  and  as  to  some  others 
in  snid  List  the  Committee  cannot  but  think  the  taxes  might  have 
been  collected,  otherwise  the  Assessors  would  not  have  continued 
taxing  the  same  Persons  year  after  year  for  three  and  four  years 
successively  when  at  the  same  time  they  were  wholly  unable  to  pay 
the  Tax  of  the  first  year,  for  the  Assessors  have  declared  to  the 
Committee  that  by  the  great  importunity  of  M^  Payson  they  have 
abated  him  equal  if  not  more  than  they  ever  did  to  any  other  Col- 
lector, beside  the  Committee  find  that  the  Assessors  on  the  3*^.  of 
March  1766.  made  a  general  &  full  Settlement  with  M''.  Payson  on 
Account  of  Abatements  for  all  taxes  committed  to  him  to  Collect 
preceeding  the  Year  1764  —  which  Settlement  the  Assessors  then 
entred  in  their  Books,  and  in  the  words  following  viz'.  —  Mem- 
"  orandum  the  above  Abatements  were  allowed  to  M''.  I'ayson  in 
"  consideration  of  Taxes  abated  him  and  no  further  to  be  allowed 
"  and  is  in  full  to  December  31.  1764  exclusive  the  Tax  for 
"  1764  "  —  This  the  Committee  look  upon  to  be  a  final  Settlement, 
and  that  M'.  Payson  can  have  no  pretence  to  apply  to  the  Town 
for  any  abatement  of  Taxes  that  preceeded  that  Year  1764.  and 
most  of  the  Taxes  in  his  List  for  the  following  Years,  its  probable 
might  have  been  collected,  otherways  the  Assessors  would  [313.] 
Have  abated  them  — Upon  the  whole  the  Committee  are  of  Opin- 
ion that  as  M"".  Payson  during  the  time  he  was  Collector  received 
of  the  Town   £15000 — old  Tenor  or  upwards  for  his   Premiums 


60  City  Document  No.  91. 

(in  which  is  included  liis  Premium  for  those  very  Sums  that  he 
Petitions  may  be  abated  him)  if  he  has  met  with  any  loss  it  must 
be  but  small  iu  proportion  to  the  great  benefit  it  has  been  to  him, 
and  the  Committee  apprehend  that  the  sustaining  Petitions  of  this 
kind  will  be  opening  such  a  Door,  as  will  involve  the  Town  in  great 
difficulties  hereafter  —  The  Committee  would  therefore  recommend 
it  to  the  Town  that  said  Petition  be  dismissed 

Which  Report  being  read  —  It  was  motioned,  that  the  further 
Consideration  of  said  Report  be  referred  to  the  Adjourment  and 
the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  the  last  Monday  in 
June  next  —  10  O'Clock  A  :  M  : 

Town  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  "  to  examine  the  Town  Treasurers 
Accompts  ;  to  enquire  into  the  state  of  the  Treasurj^  the  Debts  & 
Credits  of  the  Town,  and  to  consider  what  sum  or  sums  may  be 
necessary  to  be  raised  the  ensuing  Year  as  a  Town  Tax  "  —  beg 
leave  to  Report 

That  Ihey  have  been  and  now  are  attending  that  service  ;  and 
are  not  able  as  yet  to  exhibit  to  the  Town  such  a  state  of  their 
Affairs  as  is  neccessary  but  hope  soon  to  do  it.  That  from  the 
present  view  of  their  Affairs,  it  seems  necessary   that  the  Sum  of 

Eight  Thousand  Pounds  be  raised  for  the  present  Year 

William  Whitwell    "1  g 
Thomas  Daws  i  S 

Alexander  Hill  |  a 

EzEKiEL  Price  J  o 

[314 .  ]  The  above  Report  having  been  read  and  considered  by 
the  Town,  it  was  Voted,  that  the  same  be  accepted  —  And  that  the 
Sum  of  Eight  thousand  Pounds  be  raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  & 
Estates  within  the  Town  for  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying 
other  necessary  Charges  arising  within  the  Town  the  ensuing 
Year  —  also 

Voted  that  said  Committee  be  desidered  to  set  again  and  Report 
further  

The  Committee  appointed  to  apply  to  the  Managers  of  the  late 
Manufactory  for  the  Moneys  due  from  them  to  the  Town  &c. 
Reported  that  the}^  had  waited  on  said  Gentlemen,  and  made  de- 
mand of  the  payment  of  said  Moneys,  but  they  were  acquainted  by 
them,  that  they  had  not  yet  been  able  to  look  so  into  the  Affnirs 
of  the  Compan}'  as  to  give  them  a  present  answer  —  which  Report 
was  accepted,  and  the  Committee  desired  to  Report  their  future 
doings  to  the  Town 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition 
of  Jonathan  Payson  Esq.  a  late  Collector  of  Taxes,  the  consider- 
ation of  which  Report  having  been  referred  to  this  Meeting  was 
again  read,  and  after  large  debate  had  thereon,  the  Question  was 
put  —  Whether  said  Report  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the 
Affermative 

On  a  Motion  made  —Voted,  that  all  Matters  &  Things  which 
remain  unfinished  at  this  Meeting  be  referred  over  to  the  next 
Meetine 


Boston  Town  Records,  1771.  61 

Voted  unaaimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  the  Hon'''®.  James  Otis  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  for  dispatching  the  business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


[315,]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  and  warned  in  publicA 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faiieuil  Hall  June  24.  1771.  4 
O'clock  P  :  M  : 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     -----     read 


Coll°.  Joseph  Jackson  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meetiog, 
and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of 
Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Hampshire  and 
Rhode  Island,  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Province 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Overseer  of  the  Poor 
in  the  room  of   the  late  Honourable  Royal  Tyler  Esq.  deceased, 

and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

William  Phillips  Esq. 
was  unanimously  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year 
ensuing 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Collector  of  Taxes 
in  the  room  of  M''.  Sampson  Salter,  who  declined  serving  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 


M''.  Benjamin  Gray 


was  chosen  a  Collector  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  (Viz'.)  — "To  know  the  mind  of 
the  Inhabitants  respecting  the  raising  and  paving  that  part  of 
Milk  Street  wliich  leads  from  the  Corner  of  Atkinson  Street  to  the 
Waterside"  —  was  read  and  considered,  and  the  Question  being 
put — Whether  the  Town  will  now  act  upon  it — Passed  in  the 

Negative 

M'^.  Jacob  Emmons  a  late  Petitioner  informed  the  Town  that 
having  apply'd  to  several  of  his  Majestys  Justices  of  the  Quorum, 
[316.]  Praying  that  they  would  take  the  proper  steps  in  order  to 
obtain  for  him  a  recompence  for  the  damage  done  him  by  the 
taking  away  his  Lands  and  pulling  down  his  Chimnies  in  Paddys 
Alley  ;  and  the}'^  having  declined  acting  thereon  ;  he  had  in  conse- 
quence thereof  commenced  several  Actions  in  the  Law,  against 
some  of  the  Persons  concerned  in  the  Trespass  of  pulling  the  said 
Chimnies  &c.  —  And  that  he  gave  the  Town  this  information  that 
they  might  take  such  measures  relative  thereto  as  the  Town  in 
their  wisdom  shall  Judge  proper  —  After  considerable  debate  the 
Question  was  put  agreable  to  a  Motion  made  — Whether  it  be  the 
mind  of  the  Town  that  this  matter  does  now  come  properly  before 

them  at  this  Meeting  —  Passed  in  the  Negative 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
Coll°.  Joseph  Jackson  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 
dispatching  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


62  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

[317.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  pub- 
lick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  llall  on  Thursday  the 
5*.  Day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1772 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     -     -     -     -     read 

Richard  Dana  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  and 
took  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving  Bills  of  Credit 
of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Hampshire  and  Rhode 
Island  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Province 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  2^.  of  April  last  to 
apply  to  a  proper  Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  the  5"^.  of 
March  Instant  to  perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  horred  Massacre 
perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770.  by  a  Party 
of  Soldiers  under  the  Order  and  Ej'e  of  Cap'.  Preston  of  the  29*. 
Regiment     -     -     -     Reported 

That  they  had  met  together  several  times  for  the  purposes  men- 
tioned in  the  Town  Vote  ;  and  that  they  had  unanimously  made 
choice  of  D''.  Joseph  Warren,  to  deliver  an  Oration  for  ihe  pur- 
poses mentioned  in  said  Vote,  who  had  accordingly  accepted  of 
trust 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  the  Question  was  put  — ■ 
Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted,  -  -  -  -  Passed  in  the 
Affermative  unanimously 

Upon  a  Motion  made  the  Town  took  into  Consideration  the 
Time  when,  and  the  Place  where,  it  would  be  most  convenient  and 
suitable  to  have  the  Oration  pronounced  —  whereupon, 

[318.]  Voted,  that  the  Oration  be  delivered  at  half  an  Hour 
past  10.  O'clock,  at  the  Old  South  Meeting  House  the  Hall  not 
being  tliought  capacious  enough  for  the  inhabitants  that  would 
attend,  provided  the  Committee  of  that  Society,  should  have  no 
objection  to  the  House  being  made  use  of  for  this  occasion 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  the  aforegoing  Vote  so  far  as  it 
respects  the  time,  set  for  pronouncing  the  Oration  be  Reconsid- 
ered ;  and  that  the  Oration  be  delivered  at  D^  Sewalls  Meeting 
House  at  half  an  Hour  past  12.  O'Clock  :  A  :  M  : 

Voted,  that  the  Hon'''-.  John  Hancock  Esq, 
M^  Samuel  Adams 
Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  and  inform  him 
that  it  is  the  desire  of  the  Town  that  the  Oration  may  be  delivered 
by  him  at  the  Old  South  Meeting  House  at  half  past  12.  O'Clock, 
this  Forenoon 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to 
the  Old  South  Meeting  House  there  to  meet  at  Half  past  12. 
O'Clock  

Town  met  according  to  Adjournment,  at  the  Old  South  Meeting 
House  at  half  past  12.  O'Clock 

The  Committee  appointed  to  wait  upon  D''.  Warren  to  acquaint 
him  with  the  Vote  of  the  Town  respecting  time  and  place  as  to  the 
Delivery  of  An  Oration  ;  Reported  that  the  D\  was  ready  to 
comply  with  the  Orders  of  the  Town 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  63 

[319.]  An  Oration  to  commemorate  the  liorr<d  Massacre  of 
the  5.  of  March  1770.  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  under  the  Eye  and 
Orders  of  Cap*.  Preston  of  the  29.  Regiment,  and  to  impress 
upon  the  Minds  of  the  Citizens,  the  Ruinous  tendency  of  standing 
Armies  being  placed  in  Free  and  Populous  Cities  &c.  was  D  livered 
by  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  to  a  crowded  Assembly;  agreable  to  the 

Vote  of  the  Town 

Upon  a  Motion  made  it  was  Voted,  unanimously  that     -     -     - 

Richard  Dana  Esq.  Moderator 

The  Hon^'^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M"".  Samuel  Adams 

ColP.    Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

M"".  Henderson  Inches 

M^  David  Jeffries 

M^  William  Mollineux 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  return  the  Thanks  of 
the  Town  to  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  for  the  Oration  delivered  by 
him  at  their  request,  in  commemoration  of  the  liorred  Massacre 
perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770.  by  a  Party  of 
Soldiers  of  the  29.  Regiment,  and  to  desire  a  Copy  thereof  for  the 

Press  

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 

The  Hon**'^.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 

Richard  Dana  Esq. 

The  Hon^'".  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M'.  Ebenezer  Storer 

M"".  Samuel  Adams 

D^  Benjamin  Church 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  a  proper 
Gentleman,  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5"^.  of  March  next  to 
[330.]  Perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  horred  Massacre  perpet- 
uated on  the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770  by  a  Party  of  Sol- 
diers of  the  29.  Regiment;  and  to  impress  upon  our  minds  the 
ruinous  tendency  of  Standing  Armies  being  placed  in  Free  & 
Populous  Cities  ;  and  the  necessity  of  such  noble  Exertions  in  all 
future  Times  as  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  then  made,  whereby 
the  Designs  of  the  Conspirators  against  the  publick  Liberty  may 

be  still  frustrated 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  the  Question  was  put  — 
Whether  it  be  not  the  sense  of  the  Town,  that  the  Selectmen 
should  issue  Warrants  for  onr  Annual  March  Meetings  on  the  5. 

of  March  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Voted,  unanimously  that  the  Tlianks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  Richard  Dana  Esq.  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  for 
his  good  Services 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


64  City  Document  No.  91. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  9'^.  Day  of 

March  Anno  Domini.  1772 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev*^.  M'.  Hunt 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     -     -     -     -     read 

[331.]     Sundry  Laws  enjoin'd  to  be  read  at  this  Meeting  were 

accordingly  read 

The  Hon'''^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut,  New  Hampshire 

and  Rhode  Island  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Province 

M^  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, and  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  receiv- 
ing Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut,  New 
Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island  ;  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  his  Duty  ;  which  Oaths  were  Admiaistred  to 

him  by  M''.  Justice  Noyes 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  Seven  Selectmen,  and  the 

Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted  it  appeared  that 

Coll°.  Joseph  Jackson     -----  (excused) 

Maj^  John  Ruddock 

The  Hon''''^.  John  Hancock  Esq. 

Samuel  Pemberton  Ksq -     d". 

M"".  Ebenezer  Storer.     - d". 

M"".  Samuel  Austin 
Coll".  Thomas  Marshall 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 
The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
John  Barret  Esq. 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
[333.]  M^  Benjamin  Dolbear 

M^  William  Greanleaff 
William  White  Esq. 
John  Leveret  Esq. 
John  Gore  Esq. 
Cap'.  Samuel  Partridge 
M^  Samuel  Whitwell 
M'.  Samuel  Abbot 
M^  Daniel  Waldo 

■wei"e  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Wardens,  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

Cap'.  John  Bradford 
M^  John  Cobourn 
M'.  Samuel  Barret  Merch*. 
Deacon  William  Boardmaa 
Major  Adino  Paddock 
M^  Thomas  Bayley 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  65 

M''.  John  Preston 
ISathaniel  Wales  Esq. 
M"".  Nathan  Frazier 

were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  choice  of  a  Count}-  Treas- 
urer be  referred  to  4  O'Clock  P  :  M  : 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire-Wards,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  tliat 

John  ScoUay  Esq. 
[333.]  Newman  Grenough  Esq. 

M'.  WilUam  Cooper 

M"".  John  Mico  Wendell 

ColP.  Thomas  Marshall 

M".  Joseph  Tyler 

Maj'.  Adino  Paddock 

M"^.  James  Richardson 

Cap'.  Benjamin  Waldo 

The  Hon^'^  John  Hancock 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

Cap'.  Marl  in  Gay 

Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

Maj"".  Thomas  Daws 

M^  Alexander  Hill 

Cap'.  Job  Prince 

were  chose  Fire-Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer,  and 
npon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  M''.  David  Jeffries  was  chosen, 
and  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments,  took  the  Oath  of  Office 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duty,  which  were  administred  to 
him  by  M^  Justice 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be 
and  hereby  are  given  to  John  Kowe  Esq.  for  his  faithful  discharge 
of  the  Duty  of  a  Fire-Ward  a  number  of  Years  past 

Mess".  John  Atkinson     -     ------     (excused) 

Thomas  Parker 

William  Gale 

John  Langdon 

Henrv  Knox 
[334,]  Samuel  Breck 

Richard  Car}^  ' 

Lewis  Gray     -----     =     --    (excused) 

Samuel  Eliot  Jun"". 

Peter  Hughes 

were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  the  Question  was  put, 
"  Whether  Constables  and  Collectors  of  Taxes  shall  be  chose 
separate  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of    Five  Pounds,  be  remitted   out  of  the 


fit*?  City  Document  No.  91. 

Ten  Pounds  Fine  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office 

of  Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  shall  decline  servino; 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Pence  on  the  Pound  be  and 
hereby  is  allowed  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors  of 
Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Col- 
lect ;  provided  they  pay  into  the  several  Treasuries  the  whole  Sum 
committed  to  them  to  Collect  on  or  before  the  tenth  Day  of  Au- 
gust. 1773.  Eight  Pence  on  the  Pound  on  ail  such  olher  Sums  as 
they  sliall  have  so  paid  into  the  Treasuries  on  or  before  the  20*'^. 
Day  of  December  1773.  and  four  Pence  on  the  Pound  upon  the 
remainder  of  tlie  Sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  Collect,  provided 
such  remainder  shall  be  fully  paid  in  on  or  before  the  second  Mon- 
day on  March  1774  The  Premium  as  above  expressed  appears  to 
be  Just  and  equitable,  and  an  ample  allowance  to  the  Collectors  to 
encourage  them  to  discharge  their  Duty  with  diligence  and  fidelity  ; 
provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with  [325.] 
Sufficient  Sureties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  their  duty  in  said  office  ;   and  complying  with 

this  Vote. 

Mess".  William  Nichols 

Andrew  Symms 

Clement  Collins 

Henry  Allen 

Isaac  Vergoose 

John  Grenough 

Jacob  Thayer 

Joseph  Edmunds 

Richard  Walker 

John  Champney 

John  Bulfinch 

Abraham  Howard 

Joseph  Butler 

Joseph  Eyres 

Thomas  Bay  ley 

Andrew  Townsend 

Joseph  Ballard 

John  Holland 

John  Rogers 

Edmund  Ranger 

Thomas  Uran 

Elisha  Holmes 

Obediah  Dow 

Benjamin  Page 

Clement  Collins  Jun'. 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Boards  for  the  ensuing  Year 

see  Page 
Mess".  John  J03' 
[326.]  Obediah  Low 

Samuel  Dyer 

John  Dyer 

William  Crafts 
were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuins 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1772.  67 


Mess".  Samuel  Bangs 

Joseph  Clark 

Daniel  Parks 

Benjamin  Bass 

Thomas  Noland 
were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  ensuing  Year 

Mess".  William  Dows  Jun"". 

Thomas  Edes 
were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Mess".  Peter  Cotta 

Manesseh  Masters 

Joseph  Dyer 

John  Har skins 

David  Spear 

Jonathan  Jenkins 

Job  Wheelwright 

Joshua  Pico 

Benjamin  Salt 

Paul  Baxter 

John  Owen 

Thomas  Knox 

Samuel  White 

Edward  Cowell 

Edward  Potter 

Peter  Ellis 
[337.]  Timothy  Pease 

Nathaniel  Waterman 

Jacob  Williams 

Samuel  Bernard 

John  Nowell 

Joseph  Phillips 

Henry  Lucas 

Caleb  Hayden 

James  Bernard 
were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing  — 
Mess".  David  Simins 

Thomas  Curtis 


were  chose  Flogreeves  for  the  ensuing  Year 

M^  Thomas  Curtis 
was  chosen  Hayward  for  the  ensuing  Year 

M^  John  Gray 
was  chosen  Surveyer  of  Hemp  for  the  ensuing  Year 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  it  was  Voted,  that  the  Scav- 
ingers  be  chosen  out  of  their  respective  Wards 

Ward. 

Mess".  John  R.  Sigourncy      -------     ^".l 

After  Stoddard  ---------  2 

Edward  Foster 3 

Freeman  Pulcifer    --------  4 

John  Merrit  ----------  5 

James  Bayley    ---- 6 

Joseph  Ridge  way    --, 7 


68  City  Docume^it  No.  91. 

William  Perkins     .--.----  8 

[338.]  Robert  Williams 9 

Charles  Debany      .-..----         10 
John  Martin       -...---     =     -         H 

Benjamin  Wheeler      ---»---         12 
were  chose  Seavingers  for  the  ensuing  Year 

John  Turler  Esq. 

M"".  John  Lucas 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Wheat  for  the  ensuing  Year 

Cap'.  Martin  Gay 

M'.  John  Skinner 
were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  ensuing  Year 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  John  Ruddock  Esq.  Chair- 
man of  a  Committee  to  examine  into  the  Titles  of  the  Town  Dock, 
be  called  upon  for  the  Papers,  which  he  has  in  his  hands  relative 
thereto,  and  for  the  Report  of  the  Committee,  and  that  M"^.  Nathan- 
iel Homes  be  appointed  for  this  service 

Coll°.  Joseph  Jackson 

ColP.  John  Leveret 

M'.  John  Swoetser 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  fov  the  ensuing  Year,  &  they  are 
desired  and  impovvered  to  give  all  needful  directions  to  the  Keeper 
of  the  Granary  respecting  the  quantity  of  Grain  to  be  sold  &  affix- 
ing the  price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  require  ; 
and  the  said  Committee  are  desired  and  directed  to  cause  all  the 
Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  ground  at  the  new  Mills  near 

the  Mill  bridge,  now  occupied  [329.  ]  By  M"".  George  Leonard 

Adjourned  to  3.  O'Ciock  P  :  M  : 

3.  O'clock  P  :  M  :  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment    • 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Constables,  the 

Persons  chose  into  that  Office  and  sworn  are 

Mess".  Augustus  Hail 
Elias  Dupee 
John  Coverley 
John  Wells 
John  Salmon 
Hezekiah  Usher 
Joseph  Foye 
Stephen  Symms 
George  Thomas 
John  Bennet 
Samuel  Greanleaff 

John  Hamraett 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Collectors  of 

Taxes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

Mess".  Edward  HoUyday 
Abraham  Savage 
Benjamin  Henderson 
Benjamin  Gray 
were  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  ensuing  Year 


The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  [330.]  Seven  Asess- 
ors,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  69 

M'.  John  Kneeland 
JVP.  Benjamin  Church 
Belcher  Noyes  Esq. 
M^  Daniel  Pecker 
M"^.  Jonathan  Brown 
Gyles  Harris  Esq. 
Cap*.  Samuel  Downe 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  ensuing  Year 

Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  brought  in  and  sealed  up  by  IVP. 
Constable  to  be  returned  to  the  Court  of  Sessions,  to 

whose  care  they  are  delivered. 

The  Committee  apponited  to  inspect  the  state  of  the  Town 
Treasury  and  to  Report  upon  that  and  other  Money  matters  beg 
leave  to  Report 

That  they  have  inspected  into  the  state  of  the  Town  Treasury, 
and  find  that  there  is  due,  from  Edward  HoUyday  for  1770  the 
sum  of  £148  ,,  1,,  7^.  Out  of  which  Sum  is  to  be  deducted  his 
Premium  lor  1770 

Abraham  Savage  for  1770,  the  Sum  of  -     -     £432  ,,  18|- 

Out  of  which  Sum  is  to  be  deducted  his  Premium  for  1770 

We  also  find  that  all  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  1770 
have  settled  and  paid  the  Province  Treasurer  &  County  Treasurer 
the  several  Sums  by  them  to  be  Collected  &  paid  into  the  Province 
Treasury  for  the  Year  1770  the  Sum  of  £387  ,,  10  „  2.  We  also 
find  that  there  still  remains  to  be  paid  into  the  Province  Treasury 
on  Account  of  M"".  Samuel  Adams  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  and 
from  the  Information  given  us  by  M"".  Robert  Peirpoint  it  appears 
that  there  is  no  probability  of  any  part  of  the  Sum  of  £1149  ,,  19  ,, 
01  remaining  unpaid  [331.]  of  M'.  Adams  Debt  to  the  Town, 
will  ever  be  received  and  paid  into  the  Treasury 

We  also  Report  that  we  have  examined  into  the  state  of  the  sev- 
eral Lotteries,  and  find  that  there  appears  to  be  due  from 

Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  the  Sum  of       -     -     -     £155  ,,  12  ,,  9J 

John  Ruddock  Esq. £82  ,,  12  ,,  11 

And  it  appears  that  the  Lottery  next  proposed  to  be  drawn  will 
amount  to  the  Sum  allowed  to  be  raised  by  Lotteries,  in  pursuance 

of  the  Act  of  the  General  Court 

All  which  is  Submitted  in  the  Name  of  the  Comm^* 

William  Whitwell 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  and  Considered  —  the 
Question  was  put,  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed 
in  the  Affermative 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  the  School  masters  Salaries, 
and  all  other  Salaries  and  Grants  be  referred  over  to  next  May 
Meeting 

Upon  a  Motion  Made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be  and  he  hereby  is  empowered  &  directed  to  borrow  on 
Interest  a  Sum  not  exceeding  Four  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  Mon- 
ey, for  the  use  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  to  purchase  Grain  &e. 
for  the  Almshouse 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
Burer  be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  and  empowered  to  give  his  Ne- 


70  City  Document  No.  91. 

gotiable  Notes  upon  Interest  to  such  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
as  are  in  advance  for  the  relief  of  the  Town,  for  such  Sums  as  ap- 
pear to  be  due  to  them  respectively  upon  the  Auditing  of  their  Ac- 
counts to  the  present  Month 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  [333.] 
hereby  are  appointed  to  Act  upon  the  List  of  Jurors 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  visit  the 
publick  Schools,  the  ensuing  Year,  and  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to 
accompany  them,  as  they  may  think  proper 

Upon  a  Motion  Voted,  that  the  choice  of  a  Committee  to  Audit 
the  Town  Treasurer  Accompts  to  be  referred  over  to  May  Meet- 
ing  

The  Selectmen  Reported  on  the  Account  of  M".  Benjamin  Fenmo 
Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  vvhicn  Account  as 
entred  in  his  Books  (and  on  file  in  the  Town  Clerks  Office)  was 
read  —  whereupon  it  was  Voted,  that  tlie  same  be  accepted,  and 
that  M^  Fenno  be  accountable  to  the  Town  for  Twenty  bushels 
of  Indian,  and  twenty  one  bushels  of  Rye  amounting  to  £8  ,,  4  ,, 
8  and  also  for  the  Sum  of  £192  ,,  12  ,,  I  Cash  now  in  his  hands, 
exclusive  of  the  Sum  of  £32  ,,13  ,,  4  for  liis  Salary  and 
attendance  as  charged  in  his  Accompt  —  which  is  herebj'  allowed 
him  — — 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  impowered  &  di- 
rected to  set  for  Abatement  of  such  Taxes  as  they  shall  Judge  rea- 
sonable on  every  Wednesday  in  April  inclusive,  &  no  longer  sav- 
ing that  tliey  be  allowed  to  set  the  two  last  Weeks  in  November 
for  the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as  had  not  an  op- 
portunity of  applying  in  the  above  limitted  time,  by  reason  of  their 
being  out  of  the  Province  ;  at  which  time  they  are  also  allowed 
and  impowered  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as  may  have 
died  Insolvent  between  the  said  last  Wednesday  in  April,  and  the 
last  Dav  of  November 

The  Petition  of  the  Hon"^^^.  Andrew  Oliver  and  Thomas  Hubbard 
Esq.  and  Sylvester  Gardiner  Esq.  Surviving  Members  [333.] 
of  the  late  Linnen  Manufactory  Company,  praying  that  an  Obli- 
gation given  to  the  Town  Treasurer  for  Moneys  lent  the  said 
Company,  may  bo  cancelled  and  discharged  —  was  read  and  after 
del)ate  had  thereon,  it  was  motioned  and  the  Question  accordingly 
put —  "  Whether  said  Petition  shall  bo  referred  to  a  Committee  ;  — 
which  passed  in  the  Negative  —  It  was  then  moved  that  said  Peti- 
tion be  dismissed,  and  the  Petition  was  accordingly  dismissed 

The  Petition  of  Jonathan  Pay-on  Esq.  a  late  Collector  of  Taxes, 
that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  nine  pounds,  may  be  remitted 
him  the  same  having  been  lost  in  the  course  of  sixteen  Years,  by 
means  of  the  Persons  taxed  going  beyond  Sea  or  into  other  Towns 
&  Provinces,  becoming  Bankrupts  or  dying  Insolvent,  as  by  a 
List  given  in  to  the  Town  will  appear."  was  read  ;  and  after  con- 
siderable debate  had  thereon;  a  Motion  was  made  that  said  Peti- 
tion be  dismissed ;  and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  — 
Passed  in  the  Affermative 

The  Request  of  M^  William  Mollineux  "  that  the  Town  would 
receive   and   examine  an  Account  presented  by   him  of  the   large 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1772.  71 

Slims  he  has  advanced,  and  the  Expence  &  trouble  he  has  been  at 
in  employing  the  Poor  of  the  Town  in  spinning  Wool  &".  in  con- 
sequence of  a  Vote  passed  by  the  Town  in  March  1769.  whereby 
a  considerable  saving  has  been  made  ;  and  that  such  further  allow- 
ance may  be  made  him,  as  the  Town  in  their  wisdom  shall  Judge 
reasonable  and  Just."  was  read  and  after  debate  had  thereon,  it 
was  motioned,  and  the  Question  put,  Whether  said  Accompt  shall 
be  now  read ;  which  passed  in  the  Affermative 

The  Accompt  was  then  read  &  after  some  debate  it  was  moved 
that  tills  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  next  9.  O'Clock  A  : 
M  :  and  11  O'Clock  Assigned  for  the  further  Consideration  of  said 
Account  And  that  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Law  be  desired  to  attend 
the  Meeting  [334.]  The  Question  being  accordingly  put  — 
Passed  in  the  Affermative 

M^  Ebenezer  Storer  having  desired  to  be  excused  from  serving 
as  a  Selectman  into  which  Office  he  had  been  re-chosen  he  was  ac- 
cordingly excused,  and  received  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  for  his 
faithful  Services 

Adjourned  to  Tuesday  Morning  9.  O'Clock  A  :  M  : 

Tuesday  Morning  9.  O'Clock.  Town  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment  

The  Petition  of  M'.  Gowen  Brown  praying,  "  that  an  Allow- 
ance may  be  made  him  for  the  Clock  lately  fixed  upon  the  Old 
South  Meeting  House  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  his  Petition  "  was 
read,  and  upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Se- 
lectmen be  and  hereby  are  appointed  »i  Committee  to  consider  said 
Petition,  and  Report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment 

It  was  moved  and  carried  that  4.  O'Clock  P:  M:  be  assigned 
for  taking  into  consideraiion  the  Article  in  the  Warrant  relative  to 

filling  up  the  Dock 

The  Petition  of  M''.  Robert  Hews,  "  That  a  peice  of  the  Towns 
Land  may  be  leased  to  him  for  the  purpose  of  Erecting  a  Slaugh- 
ter House,  for  Reasons  mentioned  in  his  Petition  "  was  read,  and 
after  debate  had  thereon.  Voted,  that  the  same  be  referred  to  the 
Gentlemen  Selectmen,  who  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Consider 

the  same  and  Report  their  Opinion  thereon  as  soon  as  may  be 

[335 .  ]  The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz*.  —  "  To  know  whether 
the  Town  will  take  any  method  for  removing  the  Nusance  in  the 
Common,  by  the  over  flowing  of  the  Alms  house  and  Work-house 
Vaults."  was  read  whereupon  Voted,  that 

M"".  Henderson  Inches 

The  Hon'''^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  Moderator 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

Adino  Paddock  Esq. 

M''.  Jonathan  Mason 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  to  take  this  matter  into  Consideration, 
&  Report  as  soon  as  may  be  what  they   shall  Judge  to  be  the  best 
and  most  effectual  method   for  removing  the  Nusance   complained 

of 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "Whether  the  Town  are 
inclined  to  make  sale  of  the  Street  Dirt  so  called  within  the  Bounds 


72  City  Document  No.  91. 

of  Boston  to  any  suitable  Persons  who  shall  incline  to  contract  for 

the  same"  was  read  and  debated,  whereupon  Voted,  that 

ColP.  John  Hill 
Maj''.  Adino  Paddock 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
M^ William  Whitwell 
MM^athaniel  Balch 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  this  matter  and  Report  as  soon  as  may 

be  their  Opinion 

That  Article  in  the  "Wai-rant  (Viz*.)  "  To  consider  of  the  expe- 
diency of  fixing  Lamps  in  proper  parts  of  the  Town  for  the  better 
accommodation  of  the  Inhabitants  " — was  read  whereupon  Voted, 

that ■ 

The  Hon'''^  John  Flancock  Esq. 
John  Rowe  Esq. 
M"".  Ebenezer  Storer 
MMIenderson  Inches 
[336.]  William  Phillips  Esq. 

M'^.  Benjamin  Austin 
M''.  Nathaniel  Appleton 
be  a  Committee   to  consider  of  the  expediency  of  fixinj^  Lamps  in 
this  Town,  and   to  Report  as  soon  as  may  be   their  Opinion,  what 
number  of  Lamps  may  be  necessary,  and  the   most  proper  places 
to  fix  them ;  as  also  to  make  enquiry  whether  the  Town  can  legally 

raise  an  Annual  Fund  to  support  the  charge  thereof 

Tue  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "To  consider  what  Meth- 
ods shall  be   taken  for  the  preservation  of  Beacon  Hill "  was  read 

whereupon  Voted,  that 

John  Tuder  Esq. 
Thomas  Gray  Esq. 
John  Avory  Esq. 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
Belcher  Noyes  Esq. 
be  a  Commitee  to  take  this  matter  into   Consideration,  and  to  Re- 
port as  soon  as  may  be 

This  being  the  time  assigned  for  the  further  Consideration  of 
M"".  MoUineuxs  Request,  that  tlieTown  would  receive  &  examine 
an  account  presented  by  him,  of  his  Expense  in  carrying  on  the 
spining  business  &".  and  also  make  him  such  furtlier  Allowance 
for  his  Expence  and  loss  therein  as  might  be  thought  Just  and 
reasonable  —  It  was  motioned  &  carried  that  the  Report  of  a 
Committee  in  17G9.  relative  to  employing  the  Poor  should  be  first 
read;  which  Report  was  accordingly  I'ead.  After  considerable  de- 
bate on  the  subject  matter  of  M''.  MoUineuxs  Request ;  and  the 
legality  or  illegalty  of  now  acting  thereon  ;  It  was  moved  that  the 
Opinion  of  M^  Justice  Dana  now  present  might  be  taken  respect- 
ing the  [337.]  Power  of  the  Town  to  Remit  M''.  Mollineux  the 
£oOO  —  lent  him  ;  and  M^  Dana  being  accordingly  apply'd  to  de- 
clared—  "That  he  doubted  whether  the  Town  could  legally  re- 
mit liim  said  Sum  "  several  other  Gentlemen  of  the  Law  being 
present,  and  not  disagreeing  with  M'.  Dana  in  Opinion  —  It  was 
then  moved  the  Question  might  be  put.     "  Whether  the  Town  will 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1772.  73 

act  any  further  ou  IVF.  Mollinenxs  Accompt  "and  the  Question  be- 
ing accordin<ily  put  —  Passed  in  the  Negative 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  the  Question  was  put, 
"  Whether  a  certain  printed  Paper  lately  spread  abroad  &  even 
dispers'd  in  this  Meeting,  reflecting  on  the  character  of  M"^. 
William  Mollineux,  and  tending  to  prejudice  him  with  the  Town 
while  his  Petition  was  depending,  should  not  agreable  to  the 
desire  of  said  Gentleman  be  read  —  it  passed  in  the  Affermative 
This  Paper  being  accordingly  read,  it  was  moved  and  the  Question 
put  —  Whether  it  be  not  the  sense  of  the  Town,  that  said  Paper 
be  rejected  with  Disdain,  as  containing  unjust  reflections  on  M"". 
MoUineuxs  Character ;  and  that  so  their  abhorrence  and  detesta- 
tion should  be  expressed  at  such  Methods  being  taken  to  asperce 
the  Character  of  an  Individual  —  which  passed  in  the  Afferma- 
tive   

It  was  then  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  M^  William  Mollineux,  for  his  falt^hful  discharge  of 
a  Contract  entred  into  with  the  Town  relative  to  employing  their 
Poor  in  the  Spinning  Business  &c. 

M'.  John  Lucas  lately  chosen  a  Warden  having  desired  the  Town 
that  he  might  on  account  of  his  present  ill  state  of  health  be  ex- 
cused from  serving  in  that  Office  ;  he  was  accordingly  excused 

M^  Seward  chosen  one  of  the  Constables  for  the  present  [338-] 
Year  having  desired  to  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  Office  he 
was  accordingly  excused  by  the  Town 

ColP.  Joseph  Jackson  one  of  the  Selectmen  re-chosen  into  that 
Office,  having  desired  to  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  Office,  he 
was  accordingly  excused,  and  upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  unani- 
mously that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  the  Collonel  for  his 
faithful  services  as  a  Selectman,  a  number  of  Years  past 

Adjourned  to  3.  O'Clock,  P  :  M  : 

3.  O'clock  P  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

A  Letter  from  Samuel  Pemberton  Esq.  to  the  Town  desiring  to 
be  excused  from  serving  in  the  Office  of  a  Selectman  into  which  he 
had  been  lately  chosen  ;  was  read  &  his  resignation  accepted 

M'.  John  Atkinson  chosen  into  the  Office  of  a  Clerk  of  the 
Market  having  desired  to  be  excused  from  that  service  he  was 

accordingly  excused 

Mess".  Charles  Sigorney 

Jonathan  Williams  Jun"". 
Samuel  Bradstreet 

David  Green 

were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  the  Question  was  put  — 
"  Whether  upon  Jonathan  Payson  Esq.  a  late  Collector  of  Taxes 
pajmig  into  the  Town  Treasury  the  Sum  of  £109  ,,  17  ,,  8  in  which 
is  included  the  Sum  of  £22  ,,  8  ,,1  allowed  by  the  Court  for 
Interest,  the  P^xecution  obtained  against  said  [339.]  Payson 
shall  be  returned  satisfied  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

It  was  moved  and  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given 
to  Samuel  Pemberton  Esq.  for  his  faithful  Services  as  a  Selectman 
for  several  Years  past 


74  City  Document  No.  91. 

It  was  molioued  that  the  choice  of  the  Selectmen,  in  the  room 
of  those  who  have  resigned,  be  referred  over  to  the  Adjournment; 
and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Afferma- 

tive 

The  Consideration  of  the  Article  in  the  Warrant  respecting 
filling  up  the  Dock  being  assigned  over  to  this  time,  ia  Committee 
chosen  the  20.  September  1770.  made  Report  to  the  Town  ;  a 
Motion  was  then  made  that  said  Report  be  recommitted  and  that 
the  Committee  be  desired  to  look  further  into  the  Grants  made  to 
those  whom  the  Davis's  hold  under,  and  to  consult  Council  learned 
in  the  Law,  respecting  the  Titles  of  the  Claiments  to  said  Dock  —^— 
The  Town  brought  in  Iheir  Votes  for  two  Wardens  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
Mess""^.  Josiah  Waters 

Henry  Bass 

were  chose  Wardens  for  the  ensuing  Year ■ 

Voted,  that  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

M''.  John  Amory 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

Melatiah  Bourn  Esq. 
be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  Audit  the 
Accounts  of  M"".  Treasurer  Jeffries,  and  also  the  Accompts  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor.  &  the  said  Committee  are  enjoin'd  to 
inspect  every  particular  [340^]  Account  of  the  Moneys  ex- 
pended for  the  use  of  the  Almshouse  they  are  also  impowered 
when  they  shall  Audit  said  Accounts  to  allow  such  of  the  Over- 
seers as  shall  advance  moneys  for  the  relieve  of  the  Poor,  Interest 
on  all  such  Sums  from  the  time  so  advanced ;  till  they  shall 
have  Audited  said  Accompts ;  And  they  are  desired  to  Report 
from  time  to  time  a  state  of  the  Treasury  respecting  the  Debt^  and 

Credits,  and  on  nny  matters  that  they  may  think  proper 

see  further 

It  was  motioned  and  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  directed 
to  make  enquiry  into  the  cause  why  James  Pit's  Esq.  and  some 
others  have  stopt  payment  of  their  Quit  Rents ;  and  to  R.'port  at 
the  Adjournment 

M',  Dinely  Wing 

was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Boards  for  the  ensuing  Year 

M^  John  Childs  chosen  one  of  the  Ilogreeves  having  desired  to 
be  excused  from  serving  in  that  Office  he  was  accordingly  ex- 
cused   

Voted,  that  when  this  Meeting  is  Adjourned,  it  shall  be  to 
Wednesday  the  11"".  Instant  4.  O'Clock  Afternoon 

M^  Thomas  Bradford 
was  chosen  a  Hog;reeve  for  the  ensuing  Year 


Adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  11"\  Instant  4.  O'Clock  P  :  M  : 

[341.]  Wednesday  4.  O'Clock  P:  M:  Met  according  to  Ad- 
journment  

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  three  Selectmen  &  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  75 

John  ScoUay  Esq. 

M"".  Henderson  Inches  -----    (excused) 

M""  Jonathan  Mason d". 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 

Wards. 

Mess".  James  Bayley  ---------       6 

Charles  Dabney 10 

were  chose  Scavingcrs  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  lo  inforce  the  Duty  of 
Scayingers  upon  such  Persons  as  have  been  chose  into  that  Office  ; 
and  if  upon  enquiry  and  examination  they  should  find  any  defects 
in  the  Laws  relating  to  those  Officers,  that  they  Report  the  same 
to  the-  Town,    that   they   m:iy  act   thereon    as    they   shall   think 

proper 

Mess".  Richard  Flood 
William  Rogers 

were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  ensuing  Year 

M'.  Henry  Blaisdell 

was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Boards  for  the  ensuing  Year 

M''.  Henderson  Inches  chosen  a  Selectman,  having  desired  to 
be  excused  by  the  Town  from  serving  in  that  Office,  he  was  accord- 
ingly excused  —  And  upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to 
M^  Henderson  Inches,  for  his  faithful  services  as  a  Selectman  a 

number  of  years  past 

[343.]  M"".  Jonathan  Mason  chosen  a  Selectman,  having 
desired  to  be  excused  by  the  Town  from  serving  in  that  Office  he 
was  accordingly  excused  —  And  upon  a  Motion  mode 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to 
M^  Jonathan  Mason  for  his  faithful  Services  as  a  Selectman  sev- 
eral years  past 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  two  Selectmen  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  — 

Deacon  Timothy  Newell 

D^  John  Greanleaf  ------   (excused) 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  page 
M'".  Nathan  Hancock  chosen  a  Warden  for  the  ensuing  Year, 
having  desired  to  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  Office  he  was 

accordingly  excused 

Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  24.  Instant  10.  O'Clock  Before 
Noon 

Tuesday  March  24.  —  10.  O'Clock  Before  Noon  Town  met  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment 

D'.  John  GreanleafF  who  was  chosen  a  Selectman  having  desired 
of  the  Town  that  he  might  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  Office, 
he  was  accordingly  excused 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  that  Article  in  the  War- 
rant relative  to  Street  Dirt  within  the  Town  of  Boston  now 
Report 


76  City  Document  No.  91. 

"  That  having  met  &  considered  of  that  Article  they  are  of 
Opinion  that  the  Selectmen  pnblickly  Advertize,  [343.]  That 
they  by  publick  Auction  (at  such  time  and  place  as  they  shall 
think  proper)  will  sell  the  Street  Dirt  of  the  sevenil  12  Wards  in 
the  Town,  to  twelve  several  Persons  of  good  Credit,  who  shall  be 
the  highest  Bidders,  each  one  to  have  a  Ward,  who  may  dispose 
of  that  privilege  among  such  of  liis  Neighbors  as  he  shall  think 
fit :  And  that  each  of  the  twelve  Purchasers  give  their  Obligations 
to  keep  all  the  Streets  or  parts  of  Streets  in  their  several  Wards, 
in  good  condition  of  cleanness  during  the  term  of  twelve  Months 
from  the  time  of  their  purchase,  &  at  the  expiration  of  the  Year 
pay  to  the  Town  all  such  sums  of  Money  as  will  then  be  due  agre- 
able  to  the  Conditions  of  their  several  Obligations  aforesaid 

The  above  Report  having  been  read,  and  debate  had  thereon  — 
the  Question  was  put.  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  — 
Passed  in  tiie  Affermative 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  of  M''.  Robert 
Hews.  "  That  a  peice  of  tlie  Towns  Land  may  be  Leased  to  him 
for  the  purpose  of  Erecting  a  Slaughter  House"  Reported  — 
"That  upon  discoursing  M"".  Hews  the}'  find,  that  since  his 
Petition  was  preferred  he  has  purchased  a  peice  of  Ground  of  the 
quantity  of  400  feet,  situate  &  lying  in  Pleasant  Street  and  ad- 
joining M"^.  Shurburnes  Land ;  that  he  purposes  to  Ei-ect  his 
Slaughter  House  over  the  Water,  &  at  about  600  feet  distance 
from  any  Dwelling-house,  and  in  case  he  so  does  they  do  not  ap- 
prehend that  it  will  be  attended  with  any  disadvantages  to  the  In- 
habitants.   

The  above  Report  having  been  I'ead  &  considered  —  the  Ques- 
tion was  put —  "Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed 
in  the  Afiermative. 

The  Selectmen  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  the  Petition 
of  M^  Gowen  Brown  relative  to  purchasing  a  new  Clock  —  Report, 
That  they  have  conferred  with  him  respecting  the  same,  and  fin'l 
that  he  would  part  with  said  Clock  for  One  hundred  Pounds  Ster- 
ling, but  although  in  their  Opinion  the  same  is  finished  in  a  manner 
which  must  do  honor  to  the  Artist,  yet  as  upon  examination  the 
Clock  placed  upon  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House  is  in  so  good 
repair,  as  to  be  likely  at  a  very  triffling  Annual  Expence  to  answer 
the  purpose  of  a  publick  Clock,  for  many  Years,  they  cannot  for 
this  reason  give  it  as  their  Opinion,  that  it  will  be  necessary  for 
any  other  Clock  to  be  purchased  by  the  Town 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  and  considered  the  Question 
was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted — Passed  in  the 
Affermative 

A  motion  was  made  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  prepare  a 
By  Law  relative  to  the  Street  Dirt,  to  be  laid  before  the  Town, 
and  then  presented  to  the  Court  of  Sessions  for  their  acceptance, 
and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  it  did  not  obtain 

It  liaving  been  moved  thiit  there  should  be  a  reconsideration  of 
the  Vote,  for  accepting  the  Rei)ort  of  a  Committee  relative  to  the 
making  sale  of  the  Street  Dirt  —  the  Question  was  accordingly  put 
—  which  passed  in  the  Affermative 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1772.  77 

The  consideration  of  the  above  Report  having  been  again  taken 
up,  and  considerable  debate  had  thereon  —  the  Question  was  put. 
Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted —  Passed  in  the  Negative  — 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Selectman  &  upon 

sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M"".  Oliver  Wendell 
was  chosen  a  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 


[345.]     The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Warden, 

and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M"".  Zachariah  Brigdun 
was  chosen  a  Warden  for  the  ensuing;  Year 


Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  Voted,  that 
Richard  Gridley  Esq. 
John  Hill  Esq. 
M"".  Robert  Peirpoint 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
Stephen  Greanleaff  Esq. 
M"".  Harmond  Brimmer 
be   and  hei'eby  are  appointed  in  addition  to  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed to  Judge  on  the  best  and  most  effectual  Method  for  re- 
moving the  Nuesance  on  the  Common 

Ezekial  Goldlhwait  Esq.  Chairman  of  the  Committee  appointed 
to  Audit  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts  having  desired  leave  to 
resign,  and  Nominate  a  Gentlemen  in  his  room,  ho  was  accord- 
ingly excused  and  upon  his  Nomination,  it  was  Voted,  that 

John  Rowe  Esq. 
be  appointed  one  of  the  Auditors  of  the  Town   Treasurers   Ac- 
counts in  the  room  of  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq.  who  has  resigned 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  The  Report  of  a  Committee 
to  inspect  the  Town  Treasury  &g.  was  again  read  and  in  the 
course  of  the  debate  one  of  said  Committee  informed  the  Town 
that  M"".  Sampson  Salter,  a  late  Collector  had  made  considerable 
payments  to  the  Treasurer  since  said  Report  had  been  given  in 
and  accepted  by  the  Town  —  It  was  then  moved  that  the  further 
consideration  of  said  Report,  be  referred  over  to  May  Meeting  — 
And  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in  the  Afferma- 
tive 

A  Motion  was  made  and  the  Question  put  —  Whether  M"". 
[846,]  Brigdon  should  be  excused  from  serving  as  a  Warden, 
and  the  Question  being  put,  he  was  not  excused 

Voted,  that  all  Matters  and  Things  which  remain  unfinished  at 
this  Meeting  be  referred  over  to  the  General  Town  Meeting  in 
May  next,  to  be  then  considered  of  and  acted  upon 

Voted,  unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  here- 
by are  given  to  the  Hon''-®.  John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting  for  dispatching  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meetino;  was  dissolved 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  qualified  &  warned  in  publick  Town  Meet- 
ing Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  6"".  Day  of  May 
Anno  Domino     1772. 


78  City  Document  No.  91. 

Prayer  was  raade  by  the  Rev"^.  D'.  Chauucey 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  read 

Sundry  Laws -_.     read 

John  Scollay  Esq.  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their  [347.] 
Names  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  pi'oceed  to  the  choice  of 
one  or  more  Persons  to  Represent  them  in  the  Great  &  General 
Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  —  upon  Wednesday  the  27"*.  Day 
of  May  Current,  and  in  order  thereto  to  consider,  and  ascertain 
the  number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected.  Accordingly  it  was 
Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Fo«r  Representatives,  and  then 
it  was  declared  by  the  Selectmen  that  no  Votes  will  be  received 
but  such  as  are  unfolded,  and  that  they  propose  the  Polls  sliall  be 

closed  at  12.  O'Clock 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  the  number  of  the  same  were  found 
to  be  Seven  hundred  &  twenty  three,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  ap 

peared  that  the  four  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen,  Viz^ 

The  lion*''''.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  -  -  -  -  699 
The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq.  -----  690 
M  .  Samuel  Adams.   ---------     505 

William  Phillips  Esq. 668 

The  choice  of  Representatives  being  over  &  declared  by  the 
Selectmen  ;  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdi'aw  &  bring  in 
their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  in  order  that  the 
Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs  mentioned  in 
the  Warrant.  Accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew,  &  brought 
in  their  Votes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  Hou'''°. 

John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P :  M  ; 

3  O'clock  P :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants    of    Boston    in 

Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  6.  1772 

[348.]  Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their 
Annual  Meeting  the  7"'.  Day  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen 
to  Visit  the  several  public  Schools  in  the  Town,  and  to  invite  such 
Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  therein  as  they  shall  think  proper 

and  to  Report  thereon 

We  the  Subscribers  accordingly  attended  that  service  on 
Wednesday  the  10'^.  Day  of  July  last,  and  the  following  Gentle- 
men were  invited  to  accompany  us  therein 

His  Excellency  the  Governor 
His  Honor  the  Lieu*.  Governor 
The  Hon*"*.  John  Erving  Esq. 
James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
Thomas  Hubbard  Esq. 
Harrison  Gray  Esq. 
James  Pitts  Esq. 
Thomas  Flucker  Esq. 
Joshua  Henshaw  Esq. 
The  Representatives  of  the  Town 

The  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

Tbe  Rev^  Charles  Chauncey      -     -     D:  D: 

Mather  Byles        D:  D: 

Andrew  Eliot        -----    D:  D: 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1772.  79 

Samuel  Cooper     -----     D:  D: 

Ebenezer  Pemberton      -     -     -     D:  D: 

Samuel  Mather 

Peneuil  Boweu 

John  Hunt 

John  Bacon 

William  Gorden 

The  Town  Treasurer 

John  Jones  Esq. 

Isaac  Smith  Esq. 
The  Hon'"^  Foster  Hutchinson  Esq. 
[349.]  M^  Henry  Laughton 

Samuel  Fitch  Esq. 

Cap*.  Dogget 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

James  Boutineau  Esq. 

John  Newton  Esq. 

M^  Francis  Green 

Henry  Lloyd  Esq. 

Cap'.  Samuel  Barrett 

M^  William  Bell 

M'.  John  Demming 

Edmund  Quincy  Esq. 

]\P.  Daniel  Hubbard 

Cap*.  Nathaniel  Greenwood 

ColP.  Joseph  Scott 

M'.  William  Matthews 

M^  Moses  Gill 

M'.  John  Brown 

M'.  Peter  Creque 

D"".  Nathaniel  Perkins 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 

John  ScoUay  Esq. 

D^  James  Lloyd 

And  found  the  South  Grammar  School  had  138  Scholars — the 
North  Grammar  School  61  Scholars  —  the  South  Writing  School 
210  Scholars  the  North  Writing  School  264  Scholars  — the  Writ- 
ing School   in    Queen    Street    268    Scholars ;    all    in    very  good 

order  

Voted,  that  the  above  Report  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Gentle- 
men the  Selectmen,  be  desired  to  visit  the  public  Schools  the  Year 
ensuing,  and  invite  such  Gentlemen  to  accompany  them  as  they 

may  think  proper 

[350.]  That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz*.  — "To  Consider 
what  Measures  shall  be  taken  to  repair  or  render  more  respec- 
table the  Entrance  into  this  Town  near  the  Fortification,"  was 
read  and  after  some  debate  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Select- 
men be  a  Committee  to  order  such  Repairs  to  the  Fortification  at 
the  Entrance  of  the  Town,  as  they  may  Judge  proper  for  the  pres- 
ervation of  the  same 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen 
be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Towns  Lands  on  the  Neck  and  Report 


80  City  Document  No.  91. 

what  they  shall  Judge  necessary  to  be  done  for  the  preservation 

thereof 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "That  the  Town  would 
consider  what  Instructions  shall  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen  that 
may  be  chosen  to  Represent  them  in  the  next  General  As- 
sembly "  —  was  read  —  and  after  long  debate  had  thereon  —  the 
Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  Town  would  now  give  Instruc- 
tions to  their  Representatives  — Passed  in  the  Affermative 

It  was  then  Voted,  that 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 

Richard  Gray  Esq. 

^r.  William  MoUineux 

D"^.  Joseph  Warren 

D^  Benjamin  Church 

Josiah  Quincy  Esq. 

M".  William  Greanleaflf 

M'.  William  Dennie 

Joseph  Greanleaff  Esq. 
be  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  draw  up  Instruction 
to  the  Four  Gentlemen  this  Day  chose  to  Represent  the  Town  of 
Boston  in  the  next  General  Assembly,  and  to  Report  the  same  at 

the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting 

[351.]  That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "  Whether  the 
Town  will  take  any  steps  to  make  that  part  of  the  Street  leading 
from  Milk  Street  to  M'.  Hallowells  House,  passable  for  Carriages," 
was  read  whereupon — Voted,  that, 

M'.  Nathaniel  Appleton 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

M''.  Alexander  Hill 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 
be  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  this  Matter  into 

Consideration  and  Report  at  the  Adjournment 

The  Town  Treasurer  having  been  directed  by  the  Town  at  the 
last  March  Meeting  to  make  enquiry  into  the  cause  why  James 
Pitts  Esq.  &  some  others  have  stopt  payment  of  their  Quit  Rents 
and  to  Report  at  this  Meeting  accordingly  made  Report  that  he  had 
waited  upon  M"^.  Pitts  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  who  acquainted 
him  that  the  Town  having  deprived  him  of  the  Privilege  of 
Dockage  &"=.  was  the  occasion  of  his  withholding  the  Quit  Rents, 

which  had  been  regularly  paid  before  that  time 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  last  Meeting  to  consider  what 
may  be  necessary  to  be  done  for  the  preservation  of  Beacon  Hill 
—  Reported  in    part,  and  were  desired   to  Report  further  at  the 

Adjourraent  of  this  Meeting 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Grants  of 
Mone}'  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary 

Charges,  be  referred  over  to  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration    of  the  Sums  to  be  allowed  the 
School  Masters  &".  be  referred  over  to  the  Adjournment 
Adjourned  to  the  20.  Inst'.  11  O'Clock. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  81 

[353.]  "Wednesday  the  20.  of  May,  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment   

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  in  consequence  of  a  Memo- 
rial presented  to  the  Selectmen  by  M''.  John  Lovel,  &  by  them  laid 
befoi'e  the  Town,  Representing  that  the  Cellar  under  the  School 
house  which  had  been  Leased  to  M''.  Gunter  for  a  term  of  Years, 
now  reverts  to  the  Town,  &  praying  that  this  small  li^molament; 
may  be  suffered  to  remain  with  him,  for  divers  reasons  mora  es- 
pecially, for  his  interest  &  care  in  procuring  Subscription  for  fur- 
ther Conveniences  &  Ornaments  to  the  Scliool  House,  than  the 
Contractors  were  obliged  to  furnish  :  Tiie  Effects  of  which  appear 
in  the  hight  of  the  Walls  of  the  Room  two  feet  above  what  the 
Masons  were  to  build  them  by  Contract  in  the  Carvings  round  the 
top,  the  Frontispeice  of  the  Doors,  the  Cornish  round  the  Pedi- 
ment &  Eves  ;  the  Cupola  for  the  Bell  with  the  Fane  upon  the  top, 
&  the  large  &  commodious  Stone  Steps  at  the  Entrance  of  the 
School ;  the  cost  of  all  which  amounted  to  a  much  larger  sum 
than  that  of  the  Cellar  —  It  was  Voted  That  the  said  M^  John 
Lovel  have  the  use  of  the  Cellar  under  the  South  Grammar  School, 
for  and  during  his  continuance  as  Schoolmaster,  for  Reasons 
given  in  his  said  Memorial 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  twenty  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M^  John  Lovel  for  his  Salar}'  as  Master  of  the 
South  Grammar  School  for  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  at  the  ex- 
piration of  tlie  last  Quartei' 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  pnid 
unto  M'".  Samuel  Hunt  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  [353.] 
North  Grammar  School  for  the  Year  ensuing  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  &  to  commence  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allow'd  &  paid 
unto  M"".  John  Procter  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street  for  the  year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  ex- 
piration of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M"".  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salar}^  as  Master  of  the  Writ- 
ing School  iu  the  Common  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  &  to  commence  at  the  ex- 
piration of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M"",  John  Tileston  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  at  the  North  End  for  the  ensuing  Year  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  at  the  expi- 
ration of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  unto 
M"".  James  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly 
as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  further  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  be  allow'd  &  paid 


82  City  Document  No.  91. 

unto  M^  John  Lovel  as  an  encouragement  for  him  to  remain  &  ex- 
ert himself  in  the  service  of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year  the  same 
to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence 
at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

[354 .  ]  Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M''.  James  Carter  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  Writing  School 
in  Queen  Street  the  Year  ensuing  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  further  Sum  of  Twenty  five  Pounds,  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  M^  James  Carter  as  an  encouragement  to  him  to 
exert  himself  in  the  Service  of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  com- 
mence at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  to  such 
Persons  as  the  Selectmen  shall  appoint  an  Assistant  for  the  Mas- 
ter of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  Year  ensuing,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  com- 
mence at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter  — — 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Thirty  four  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid 
unto  M"".  John  Tileston  Master  of  the  Writing  School  at  the  North 
End  for  providing  an  Assistant  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the 
expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  M^  David  Jeffries  for  his  ser- 
vices as  Treasurer  of  the  Town  the  Year  past,  and  for  all  his  Ex- 
pences  in  that  Office 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Teasurer  be  and  he  hereby  [355.]  is 
directed  and  impowered  to  allow  the  several  School  Masters  Inter- 
est on  the  Sums  due  to  them  from  the  date  of  their  Warrants  to 
the  time  of  payment 

The  Committee  appointed  the  6"^,  Instant  to  take  into  Consider- 
ation that  Article  in  the  Wai-rant.  Viz'. — "Whether  the  Town 
will  take  any  steps  to  make  that  part  of  the  Street  leading  from 
Milk  Street  to  M^  Hallowells  House  passable  for  Carriages  "  Re- 
port  

That  we  are  of  Opinion  that  it  is  highly  necessary  said  new  Street 
should  be  paved  in  order  to  make  it  passable  for  Carriages.  We 
find  that  by  an  Act  of  the  General  Assembly  when  said  new  Street 
was  laid  out,  that  Benjamin  Ilallowell  Esq.  was  ordered  and  did 
Agree  to  remove  the  paving  Stones  of  the  Old  Street  into  the  new 
at  his  Expense,  but  the  replacing  them  was  to  be  at  the  Expense 
of  the  Town.  M^  Flalowell  is  now  ready  to  comply  with  the  afoi'e- 
said  Order,  as  soon  as  the  Town  shall  request  it.  The  Street  is 
about  ten  or  eleven  Rods  long,  and  the  paving  Stones  of  the  Old 

Street  are  Judged  sufficient  for  half  or  a  third  of  the  new ■ 

John  Rowe 
Jonathan  Williams 
Nathaniel  Appleton 

The  aforegoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  It  was 
Voted,  that  the  same  be  accepted  &  that  the  Selectmen  be  &  here- 


Boston  Town   Eecords,  1772.  83 

b}'  are  directed  to  see  that  M'.  Hallowell  has  or  does  perform  what 
has  been  enjoined  him  by  ihe  Act  of  the  General  Assembly,  & 
that  then  the  said  Street  be  so  far  paved,  as  to  the  Selectmen  shall 
appear  necessary 

The  Committee  Appointed  to  prepare  Instructions  for  the  Gen- 
tlemen who  Represent  the  Town  in  the  General  Assembly  Re- 
ported the  following  Draft,  which  being  read  &  considered  [356.] 
Paragraph  by  Paragraph,  was  unanimously  accepted  by  the  Town 
and  are  as  follows  Viz'. 

To  the  Hon'^'®.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  M'.  Samuel  Adams  The 
Hon'''''  John  Hancock  Esq.  and  M""  William  Phillips 

Gentlemen 

The  choice  we  have  made  of  you  to  Represent  us  in  the  Assem- 
bly of  the  Commons  of  this  Province  at  the  ensuing  Sessions  of 
the  General  Court,  is  the  strongest  Testimony  of  the  high  Opinion 
which  we  entertain  of  your  Abilities  and  Integrity  ;  Nevertheless 
we  think  it  our  Duty  at  such  a  time  as  this  when  the  very  Being  of 
our  Constitution  is  so  dangerously  attacked,  to  express  to  you 
whom  we  have  deputed  &  impowered  to  act  for  us,  the  sense  we 
have  of  the  Oppressions  which  we  suffer  —  No  People  were  ever 
in  circumstances  more  truly  alarming  than  those  in  which  the  Peo- 
ple of  this  Province  now  are  An  exterior  Power  claims  a  Right 
to  govern  us,  &  have  for  a  number  of  Years  been  levying  an  illegal 
tax  on  us  ;  whereby  we  are  degraded  from  the  ranli  of  Free  Sub- 
jects to  the  despicable  Condition  of  Slaves.  For  its  evident  to  the 
meanest  Understanding  that  Great  Britain  can  have  no  Right  to 
take  our  Moneys  from  us  without  our  consents  unless  we  are  her 
Slaves,  unless  our  Bodys  our  Persons  are  her  property  she  surely 
cannot  have  the  least  claim  to  dispose  of  our  earnings,  &  tho.  we 
have  hitherto  failed  of  success  our  applications  for  the  redress  of 
this  cruil  grieveance  we  are  still  determined  to  exert  our  utmost 
efforts  to  break  up  this  baneful  source  of  Despotism  &  Misery,  The 
attention  of  every  one  who  has  the  least  affection  for  his  Country 
must  be  awakened  to  this  important  Subject  when  he  sees  [357.] 
The  long  train  of  evils  which  flow  from  it.  We  are  especially 
under  the  most  uneasy  apprehensions  from  the  repeated  refusals 
of  our  Governor  to  accept  of  an  honourable  support  from  the  People 
and  we  have  the  highest  reason  to  believe  that  apart  of  the  very 
Money  unjustly  taken  from  us  is  applyed  to  support  him  in  a  state 
of  Independance  upon  the  People  over  whom  he  presides  —  If  this 
is  the  case  our  situation  is  truly  deplorable.  The  same  oppres- 
sions of  which  we  so  justly  complain  are  made  the  support  of  the 
Man,  who  ought  to  exert  his  utmost  power  to  obtain  a  redress  of 
our  Grievances.  A  Ruler  Independent  of  the  People  over  whom 
over  whom  he  presides,  is  abhorrent  to  the  Principles  of  a  Free 
Government  —  Power  without  a  Check  is  Tyranny,  whoever  is 
possessed  of  such  a  power  is  a  Master  instead  of  a  Governor,  and 
whoever  submits  to  such  a  power  is  a  Slave  instead  of  a  Subject. 
The  intention  &  only  reasonable  end  of  Government  is  the  happi- 
ness of  Mankind  ;  and  every  branch  of  a  legal  Government  ought 
to  be  interested  in  the  public  wellfare,  &  should  have  every  possi- 
ble inducement  to  study  &  promote  the  good  &  happiness  of  the 


84  City  Document  No.  91. 

governed :  But  we  fear  that  the  Interest  of  this  People  and  of  the 
Gentleman  who  presides  over  us,  are  made  as  distinct  &  even  as 
opposite  as  they  possibly  can  be ;  and  if  we  allow  ourselves  to 
form  a  Judgement  from  what  has  taken  place  since  his  Excellencys 
Accession  to  the  Chair,  our  fears  must  be  augmented  &  confirmed 
as  the  Administration  of  affairs  has  been  altogether  such  as  much 
necessarily  have  resulted  from  an  opposition  of  interest  and  the 
Governors  intire  independancy  on  us  —  We  shall  mention  to  you 
a  few  striking  Instances  of  the  Justice  of  this  remark  We  think 
it  impossible  that  our  Governor  should  be  at  liberty  to  consult  like 
the  Father  of  this  People,  their  true  Interest  whilst  he  considers' 
himself  bound  to  obey  Instructions  sent  to  him  from  the  other  side' 
of  the  Atlantic :  For  although  he  may  know  that  doing  any  par- 
ticular Act,  would  be  beneficial  to  the  People,  &  condusive  to  his 
Majestys  service,  yet  if  he  is  instructed  to  the  contrary  it  must  not 
be  done  [358.]  But  if  he  is  Instructed  t)  do  an  Act  which  he 
knows  will  be  detrimental  to  the  People  and  injurious  to  his  Maj- 
estys service,  yet  according  to  this  new  S3'stem  he  must  do  it  — 
every  consideration  of  the  fitnes  &  reasonableness  of  the  transac- 
tion is  tlu'own  aside,  &  whatever  may  be  the  consequences  to  Kin  >; 
or  People,  the  Governor  must  excerciso  the  power  committed  to 
him  not  agreable  to  his  discretion  and  the  apparent  interest  of  the 
Province  but  according  to  the  Instructions  received  from  a  Min- 
ister three  thousand  miles  distant — Instructions  are  urged  in  ex- 
cuse for  almost  everything  of  which  we  complain.  By  an  Instruc- 
tion our  Legislative  Bodj^  are  restrained  from  Meeting  at  their  an- 
tient  &  established  seat,  contrary  to  their  inclination  so  repeatedly 
declared  to  the  Governor.  By  an  Instruction  our  Fortress  Castle 
William  built  and  for  a  long  time  supported  by  the  Province  for 
its  defence  has  been  delivei-ed  to  Troops  over  whom  the  Captain 
General  of  the  Province  has  declared  he  has  no  controul ;  and  who 
to  appearance  have  taken  more  care  to  make  it  formadable  to  this 
Town,  than  to  a  Forrei  :n  Enemy  —  Under  the  Influence  of  an  In- 
struction the  Governor  has  refus'jdhis  consent  to  a  tax  Bill  forde- 
fi'eying  the  necessary  Charges  of  Government  because  such  Per- 
sons as  the  British  Minister  was  pleased  to  point  out,  were  not  ex- 
pressly exempted  from  bearing  their  due  proportion  of  said  Tax. 
And  what  seems  to  compleat  our  misfortune  is,  that  an  Instruction 
is  pleaded  for  refusing  a  Grant  for  the  payment  of  our  Agents  at 
the  Court  of  Great  Britain.  Thus  we  are  to  be  cut  off,  even  from 
complaint  that  last  resource  of  the  wretched.  His  Excellency  is 
Instructed  not  to  sign  any  grant  for  the  payment  of  an  Agent, 
unless  he  is  chosen  by  the  three  branches  of  the  Legislature,  he 
cannot  consent  to  any  one  who  is  proscribed  in  his  Instructions. 
It  is  against  an  Admiuisti-ation  in  which  Lord  Hillshurrough  &  his 
Dependents  are  principal  Actors  that  we  complain  [359.]  But  no 
one  whom  he  disapproves  must  be  allowed  to  manage  our  com- 
plaints. It  is  difficult  to  restrain  our  indignation  at  the  gross  af- 
front offered  to  our  Understandings  in  this  affair.  A  Capasity  but 
little  remote  from  Idiotism  is  sufficient  to  discover  the  fatal  con- 
sequences of  this  Ministerial  plot. 

The  Town  have  in  times  past  declared  to  their  Representatives 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1772.  85 

their  sense  of  the  burthen  laid  upon  the  Commercial  Interests  of 
the  Community  by  the  extension  of  the  powers  of  the  Court  of 
Admiralty.  A  Jurisdiction  in  its  very  nature  repugnant  to  our 
Constitution  &  contrary  to  Magna  Charta,  as  it  invests  one  Judge 
appointed  by  the  Crown  with  Authority  to  determine  concerns  the 
most  important  to  the  property  and  liberty  of  the  Subject  — And 
they  expressed  their  sense  of  this  Grievance  as  sharpned  by  the 
Contrast  which  appears  in  the  same  Statute  between  the  Mother 
Countr}'  &  the  Colonies  — For  however  it  may  be  urged  that  the 
Court  of  Admirality  is  established  by  the  Charter  of  this  Province 
yet  by  the  same  Charter  the  People  of  this  Province  are  entitled  to 
all  the  Liberties  privileges  &  Immunities  of  free  British  Sub- 
jects —  And  to  see  the  British  Parliament  by  one  and  the  same 
Statute,  taking  from  the  Colonies  an  important  right  namely 
Trials  by  Juries  &  securing  that  Right  to  themselves  in  cases  of 
the  same  nature  &  importance  must  be  deeply  affecting  to  us. 
We  take  this  opportunity  of  renewing  our  protestations  against 
the  powers  of  that  Court  which  have  already  proved  so  vexatious 
to  Persons  concerned  in  trade  ;  and  in  a  very  recent  Instance 
according  to  the  best  information  we  are  able  to  obtain,  have  been 
mtide  use  of  to  disturb  &  harrass  the  industrious  Farmer,  & 
which  if  not  restrained  bid  fair  to  render  all  property  either  Real 
or  Personal  to  the  last  degree  precarious  —  Thus  Gentlemen  have 
we  exhibited  to  you  a  view  of  many  of  the  Grievances  which  dis- 
tress this  People  :  And  we  expect  you  will  use  your  utmost  Influ- 
ence in  tlie  ensuing  Session  of  the  General  Court  to  have  them 
radically  redressed ;  not  doubting  but  you  will  receive  the  most 
ready  and  effectual  assistance  from  those  wise  Patriots  who  are  or 
shall  be  chosen  [360.]  To  Represent  our  Brethren  in  the  several 
Towns  of  this  faithful  Province — In  particular  we  desire  that 
you  would  use  your  influence  that  a  Remonstrance  be  presented  to 
his  Majesty  whose  elevated  station  denominates  him  the  Father  of 
his  People,  and  the  tenor  of  whose  Throne  is  the  protection  of 
his  Subjects  against  the  Oppressions  which  we  suffer  laying  open 
to  his  view  in  the  fullest  and  plainest  manner  the  true  state  of 
this  his  Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  &  pleading  vvith  him 
with  that  freedom  &  firmness  which  the  Justice  of  the  cause  & 
the  exigences  of  your  Country  demand.  And  that  you  may  not 
fail  of  reaching  the  Ro3-al  Ear,  we  Instruct  you  to  exert  your- 
selves to  procure  a  proper  Grant  from  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives for  the  payment  of  the  Agents,  who  have  served  the  Hon'''®, 
his  Majestys  Council  &  the  Hon'*'".  House  of  Representatives  for 
some  years  past,  &  that  you  take  timely  care  to  know  whether  the 
same  is  concurred  with  and  consented  to  by  the  other  two 
Branches  of  the  Legislature.  And  that  if  it  is  not,  that  you 
endeavor  to  obtain  a  Resolve  of  the  House  for  a  Brief  for  raising 
a  Sum  sufficient  for  defraying  the  charges  of  an  Agency  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  that  so  we  may  at  least  in  this  way  make  use  of  our 

own  Moneys  to  purchase  an  access  to  the  Ear  of  our  King. 

There  are  Gentlemen  many  other  Matters  of  great  Importance 
to  the  Province  which  will  come  before  you  ;  &  we  are  happy  that 
we  can  with  confidence  commit  our  concerns  to  you  Having   that 


80  City  Document  No.  91. 

by  the  favor  of  Divine  Providence  you  will  be  greatly  Instrumen- 
tal in  restoring  and  securing  both  to  us  ifeour  Posterity  our  violated 
Rights,  thus  only  may  we  with  reason  expect  to  enjoy  the  in- 
valuable Blessings  of  Harmony  &  good  G-overnment 

Ui)on  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded.  Voted,  that  the  Committee 
appointed  to  prepare  Instructions,  for  the  Gentlemen  who  are 
chosen  to  Represent  us  in  the  General  Assembly  the  ensuing  Year 
be  &  hereby  are  desired  to  bring  in  an  Article  of  Instructions 
relative  the  Appointment  &  [361.]  Salaries  of  the  Judges  of  the 
Superior  Court 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3.  O'Clock  P:  M  : 

3  O'clock  P :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Six  thousand  five  hundred  Pounds  be 
raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  this  Town  for 
Relief  of  tlie  Poor  and  defreying  other  necessary  charges  arising 
within  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year 


Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
be  added  to  the  Committee  appointed  to  Audit  the  Town  Treasur- 
ers Accompts  for  the  last  Year  in  the  room  of  Nicholas  Boylston 
Esq.  deceased,  and  M"".  John  Pitts  who  is  out  of  the  Provinces  to 

Report  at  the  Adjournment 

The  Selectmen  Appointed  a  Committee  to  view  the  Towns  Lands 

the  Neck  &".  Reported 

That  having  Attended  their  Duty  they  found  that  the  Land  has 
been  so  much  wasted  away  by  the  Sea,  as  makes  it  absolutely 
necessary  that  the  Dykes  should  be  repaired  in  such  a  manner  as 
may  prevent  the  Pavement  on  the  Neck  from  being  destro3-ed, 
and  the  Neck  itself  from  being  so  far  carried  away,  as  that  in  no 
distant  period,  this  Town  may  become  an  Island.  That  they  were 
not  able  at  present  to  lay  before  the  Town  an  Estimate  of  the 
Charge  which  will  be  necessarily  incurred  in  effecting  those  Re- 
pairs, and  therefore  proposed  to  the  Town  that  a  large  Commit- 
tee be  appointed  to  view  the  Premisses  &  to  consider  of  the  best 
Method  to  secure  the  Neck,  as  also  of  the  Sum  which  will  be  neces- 
sary for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  to  Report  the  same  as  soon 
as  may  be 

The  above  mentioned  Report  having  been  considered  Voted 
[363.]  That  the  same  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Gentlemen  the 
Selectmen  together  with 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

M^  William  Dennie 

M--.  Tuttle  Hubbard 

M"".  Robert  Pierpoint 

M^  Samuel  Swift 

M"".  Nathaniel  Appletoa 

John  Tuder  Esq. 

Mr.  Thomas  H.  Peck 

M'.  William  Greanleaflf 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1772.  87 

]Vr.  John  Sweetser 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 

ColP.  John  Hill 

M^  John  Ballard 
be  a  Committee  to  view  the  Neck,  and  consider  of  the  best  Meth- 
od to  secure  the  same  as  also  of  the  Sum  which  will  be  necessary 
for  this  purpose  ;  and  to  Report  as  soon  a  -i  may  be 
Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded  Voted,  that 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

M''.  William  Cooper 
be  added  to  the  Committee  on  Instructions  and  that  said  Com- 
mittee be  desired  to  Report  at  the  Adjournment 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  there  be  so  far 
a  reconsideration  of  the  Vote  passed  on  the  5.  of  March  last  as 
that  the  Meeting  to  be  called  on  the  5.  of  March  ensuing  be  solely 
for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed 
to  procure  an  Orator  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  said  Day,  to  perpetu- 
ate the  Memory  of  the  Boston  Massacre  —  And  that  the  Annual 
March  Meeting,  be  appointed  at  the  usual  time,  notwithstanding 

the  Vote  be  referred  to 

[363=]  The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq.  having  made  a  tender 
to  the  Town  of  a  Fire-Engine,  he  had  lately  imported  ;  it  was 
thought  more  respectful  to  that  Gentleman,  that  the  consideration 

of  his  offer  should  be  referred  to  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  th'S  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  next  3. 
O'clock  P :  M :  and  that  the  Town  be  Notified  thereof  in  the  sev- 
eral News  Papers 

The  Meeting  was  accordingly  Adjourned 

Fryday  May  22"^.  3.  O'Clock  P:  M:  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment   

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Accompts  of  M*".  David 
Jeffries  Town  Treasurer  —  Report —  That  they  have  attended  that 
service,  &  find  the  same  right  cast  &  well  vouch'd  in  which  he 
charges  himself  with  Sundr}''  Fines,  Rents  &  other  Incomes  of  the 
Town,  as  also  with  the  Tax  of  £8000  —  all  which  amount  to  the 
Sum  of  £12287  ,,  13  ,,  2,  including  the  balance  of  Old  Ac- 
compts   

And  the  said  Treasurer  discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abate- 
ments made  the  Collectors  amounting  to  £361  ,,  1  ,,  6,  by  Drafts 
made  by  the  Selectmen  amounting  to  £3249  ,,  12  ,,  11^  of  which 
he  has  paid  £2>^96  ,,  14  ,,  10|  —  And  by  Drafts  made  by  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  which  contain  the  Charges  of  the  Alms- 
house amounting  to  £3506  ,,  2  ,,  8.  of  which  he  has  paid  £2547,, 
16  ,,  2.  also  by  sundry  Sums  paid  for  Interest  amounting  to  £216,, 
14  ,,  6.  the  whole  amounting  to  £7333  ,,  11  ,,7^ 

The  said  Committee  have  inspected  said  drafts  in  a  very  par- 
ticular manner,  &  have  examined  the  Vouchers,  produced  by  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  amount  of  their  Drafts  &  every 
other  branch  of  publick  Charge  amounting  in  all  as  above  [364.] 
To  £7333  ,,  11  ,,  7^  as  by  Account  of  Town  Treasury  in  Town 
Treasury  Books;  Balance  whereof  being  £4954  ,,  1  ,,  6|  is 
carried  to  the  Credit  of  New  Account 


88  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

Which  Eeport  and  Account  being  read  Voted,  that  the  same  be 
and  hereby  is  accepted 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  Instruction  to  our 
Representatives  respecting  the  Appointment  &  Salarys  of  the 
Judges  of  the  Superior  Court,  having  met  upon  the  occasion  now 
Report — That  your  Committee  cannot  Agree  upon  any  set  of 
Instructions,  respecting  this  matter 

The  above  Report  having  been  read,  Voted,  that  the  same  be 
accepted 

A  Motion  was  made  that  a  new  Committee  be  now  appointed  to 
prepiire  an  Instruction  for  our  Representatives  in  General  Assem- 
bly, relative  to  the  Appointment  and  Salary  of  the  Judges  of  the 
Superior  Court ;  and  after  long  debate  had  ihereon  the  Motion  did 
not  obtain  —  It  was  then  moved  &  seconded,  that  the  further 
Consideration  of  this  Matter  be  referred  to  the  next  Town  Meet- 
ing —  The  Question  being  accordingly  put —  Passed  in  the  Affer- 
mative 

The  Hon'''*.  John  Hancock  Esq.  haviaig  made  a  tender  to  the 
Town  of  a  new  &  finely  constructed  Engine  for  the  extinguishing 
of  Fires,  provided  they  will  direct  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  to 
appoint  a  suitable  Company  for  the  same,  and  allow  the  Men 
belonging  thereto,  the  Exemptions  &  Privileges  indulged  the 
other  Engine  Men,  —  It  is  therefore  Voted,  that  the  Town  do 
accept  of  the  said  generous  present  of  M"".  Hancock  as  a  fresh 
mark  of  his  Regard  for  the  safety  &  welfare  of  the  Town,  and 
that  the  Selectmen  be  directed  to  appoint  a  suitable  Number  of 
Men  [365=]  For  working  said  Engine  at  any  Fires  that  may 
happen,  with  such  a  Master  as  M"".  Hancock  may  be  pleased  to 
Nominate,  and  that  said  Company  when  appointed  be  and  hereby 
are  Excused  &  exempted  from  all  such  Duty,  and  entitled  to  all 
such  privileges  and  Allowances  as  are  the  present  Enginemen  of 
this  Town  —  and  that  said  Engine  be  placed  under  proper  cover, 
at  or  near  Hancocks  Wharff  and  in  case  of  Fires,  the  Estate  of  the 
Donor  shall  have  the  preference  of  its  service 

Voted  unanimously  that  the  Tiianks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby 
are  given  to  the  Hon'''''.  John  Hancock  Esq.  or  the  above  men- 
tioned generous  Donation  to  this  Town. 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon'''''  John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 

dispatching  the  business  thereof 

Then  the  Meetins;  was  dissolved 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  28.  Day  of 
October  Anno  Domini,  1772 


Warrant  for  callina;  the  Meeting     -------  read 


[36G.]  The  Hon'''".  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator 
of  this  Meeting,  and  took  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  re- 
ceiving Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Neighbouring  Governments  as  re- 
quired by  an  Act  of  this  Province 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  89 

The  several  Petitions  relative  to  a  Report,  that  Stipends  are 
affixed  by  order  of  the  Crown,  to  the  Offices  of  the  Judges  of  the 
Superior  Court  of  Judicature  of  this  Province  &  setting  forih  the 
dangerous  consequences  that  must  attend  such  an  Establishment ; 
vrere  read  &  debated,  whereupon  it  was  Moved  and  seconded  — 
That  a  decent  and  respectful  Application  from  this  Meeting  be 
made  to  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  acquainting  him  that  the 
Town  has  been  alarm'd  with  the  Reports  that  Stipends  are  affixed 
to  the  Office  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature  of 
this  Province  whereby  they  are  rendred  inlirely  independent  of 
the  Grants  and  Acts  of  the  General  Assemblj'  for  their  support 
which  the  Town  is  apprehensive  will  be  attended  with  the  most 
fatal  consequences,  and  tlierefore  humbly  and  earnestly  to  pray 
his  Excellency,  that  he  would  be  pleased  to  inform  Ihem,  whether 
his  Excellency  has  received  any  advice  relative  to  this  matter  in 
any  way  from  whence  he  has  reason  to  apprehend  that  such  an 
Establishment  has  or  will  be  made — And  the  Question  being 
accordingly  put,  it  passed  in  the  Afferraative  by  a  vast  majority  — 
also 

Voted,  that  M"".  Samuel  Adams 
D""  Joseph  Warren 
D'.  Benjamin  Church 
be  a  Committee  to  draw  up  an  Address  to  the  Governor  on  the 

aforegoing  Subject  and  to  Report  at  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3.  O'Clock  P:  M: 
[367 .  ]  3  O'clock  P  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment 
The  Committee  to  prepare  an  Address  to  the  Governor,  Reported 

the  following  Draft  Viz' 

May  it  please  your  Excellency 

The  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  tho  Town  of  Boston 
legally  Assembled  in  Faneuil  Hall,  beg  leave  to  acquaint  your 
Excellences  that  a  Report  has  prevailed,  which  they  have  reason 
to  apprehend  is  well  grounded,  that  Stipends  are  affixed  to  the 
Offices  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature  of  this 
Province  whereby  they  are  become  Independents  of  the  Grants  of 
the  General  Assembly  for  their  support ;  contrary  to  antient  and 
invariable  usage  this  Report  has  spread  an  alarm  among  all  con- 
siderate Persons,  who  have  heard  of  it,  in  Town  and  Country  ; 
being  view'd  as  tending  rapidly  to  compleat  the  System  of  their 
Slavery,  which  originated  in  the  House  of  Commons  of  Great 
Britain  assuming  a  power  and  authorit}^  to  give  and  grant  the 
Moneys  of  the  Colonists  without  their  consent,  and  against  their  re- 
peated Remonstrances.  And  as  the  Judges  hold  their  places  during 
pleasure,  this  Establishment  appears  big  with  fatal  evils,  so  ob- 
vious that  it  is  needless  to  trepass  on  your  Excellencys  time  in 
mentioning  them  —  It  is  therefore  the  humble  and  earnest  request 
of  the  Town  that  your  Excellency  would  be  pleased  to  inform 
them,  whether  you  have  i-eceived  any  such  advise  relating  to  a 
matter  so  deeply  interesting  to  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province 
which  gives  you  assurance  that  such  an  Establishment  has  been  or 
is  likely  to  be  made  —  The  aforegoing  Report  having  been  consid- 
ered, the  Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted, 


90  City  Document  No.  91. 

■n  hich    passed    in    the    Affermative  —  Nem    Con'  also  —  Voted, 

that 

William  Phillips  Esq, 

The  Hon"'"  James  Otis  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

[368.]  Deacon  Timothy  Newell 

D''.  Benjamin  Church 
D"".  Joseph  Warren 
ColP.  Thomas  Marshall 
be  a  Committee  to  present  this  Address  to  his  Excellency 

Adjourned    to    Fryday    the    30.  Instant    10.  O'Clock    Bsfore 

Noon 

Fryday  October  30.  10  O'Clock  A  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment  

The  Committee  to  present  the  Governor  an  Address  Reported 
the  following  answer  which  his  Excellency  delivered  to  them  in 
Writing  —  Viz* 

Gentlemen 

It  is  by  no  means  proper  for  me  tolaj'  before  the  Inhab- 
itants of  any  Town  whatsoever  in  consequence  of  their  Votes  and 
Proceedings  in  a  Town  Meeting  any  part  of  my  Correspondence  as 
Governor  of  this  Province  or  to  acquaint  them  whether  I  have  or 
have  not  received  any  advice  relating  to\the  public  Affairs  of  the 
Government.  This  reason  alone  if  your  Address  to  me  had  been 
in  otlier  respects  unexceptionable,  would  have  been  sufficient  to 
restrain  me  from  compl3"ing  with  your  desire 

I  shall  always  be  ready  to  gratify  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  upon  every  regular  Application  to  me  on  business  of 
public  concernment  to  the  Town  as  far  as  I  sliall  have  it  in  my 
power  consistent  with   fidelity  to  the  trust  which  his  Majesty  has 

reposed  in  me 

T:   Hutchinson 

Tlie  aforegoing  answer,  having  been  considered  —  [369 .  ]  It  was 
moved  and  the  Question  put  —  Whether  application  shall  be  now 
made  to  his  Excellency  by  the  Town  that  he  would  be  pleased  to 
permit  the  General  Assembl}^  to  meet  at  the  time  to  which  they 
stand  prorogued,  which  passed  in  the  Affermative  Nem  ConK  —  It 
was  then  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'"^  James  Otis  Esq. 
M'.  Samuel  Adams 
The  Hon'"^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  prepare  a  Petition  to  his  Excellency  for  the  pur- , 
pose  aforesaid 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  —  "  That  another 
public  School  may  be  Established  at  the  South  part  of  the  Town," 
was  read,  and  after  debate  had  thereon  —  the  Question  was 
put  —  Whether  the  Consideration  of  the  same  shall  be  referred  to 
March  Meeting  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  at  a  late  Meeting  to  con- 
sider what  was  proper  to  be  done  to  prevent  the  ruin  of  Beacon 
Hill,  were  desired  to  make  Report  as  soon  as  may  be 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.                    Pi- 
voted,  that  the   Town   Clerk  be  directed   to  lay  the  Original 
Grant  of  Beacon  Hill  before  the  Town  at  their  Adjourment 

Upon  a  Motion  made—  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  added  to 
the  Committee  relative  to  Beacon  Hill 

The  Committee  chosen  to  prepare  a  Petition  to  the  Governor, 
relative  to  the  Meeting  of  the  General  Court  —  Reported  the 
following  Draft — Viz'. 

The  Petition  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  Assembled  by  Adjournment  in  Faneuil  Hall 
on  Fryday  30.  of  October  1772  - — 

[370.]     Humbly  Sheweth — - 

That  your  Petitioners  are  still  greatly  alarmed  at  the  Report 
which  has  been  prevalent  of  late  Viz*.  That  Stipends  are  affixed  to 
the  Offices  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature  of 
this  Province  by  Order  of  the  Crown  for  their  support 

Such  an  Establisbment  is  contrary  not  only  to  the  plain  and 
obvious  sense  of  the  Charter  of  this  Province  but  also  some  of 
the  fundamental  Principles  of  the  Common  Law.  to  the  benefit 
of  which  all  British  Subjects,  wherever  dispersed  throughout  the 
British  Empire  are  indubitably  entitled 

Such  a  Jealousy  have  the  Subjects  in  England  for  their  Rights 
Liberties  &  Privileges,  and  so  tender  a  regard  has  been  shown  them 
by  his  Majestys  that  notwithstanding  the  provision  made  at  the 
Revolution  that  the  Judges  of  the  Kings  Superior  Court  of  Law 
there  should  hold  their  Commissions  not  at  pleasure  but  during 
good  behavior,  and  since  that  time  for  their  support.  His  Majesty 
among  other  the  first  Acts  of  this  Reign,  was  graciously  pleased 
to  recommend  it  to  Parliment  and  an  Act  passed  thnt  their  Com- 
missions should  not  cease  at  the  Demise  of  ths  King,  whereby  every 
thing  possible  in  human  wisdom  seems  to  have  been  done  to  es- 
tablish an  impartiality  in  their  decisions  not  only  between  Subject 
&  Subject,  but  between  the  Crown  and  the  Subject — of  how  much 
greater  importance  must  it  be  to  preserve  from  the  least  sup- 
poseable  byas  —  the  Judges  of  a  Court,  invested  by  the  Laws  of 
this  Province  which  have  been  approved  of  by  Majesty,  with  Pow- 
ers "  as  fully  &  amply  to  all  intents  and  purposes  whatsoever  as 
the  Court  of  Kings  Bench,  Common  Pleas  and  Exchequer  within 
his  Majestys  Kingdom  of  England  have  or  ought  to  have  " 

Your  Excellenc}'  will  allow  your  Petitioners  with  [371.]  Due 
Submission  to  repeat  that  the  establishment  appears  to  them  preg- 
nant with  such  fatal  Evils  as  that  the  most  distant  thoughts  of  its 
taking  effect  fills  their  minds  with  dread  and  horror 

These  Sir  are  the  sentiments  and  apprehensions  of  this  Metrop- 
olis expressed  however  with  due  defference  to  the  Sentiments  of 
the  Province  with  which  your  Petitioners  are  anxiously  solicitous 
of  being  made  acquainted 

It  is  therefore  their  earnest  and  humble  request  that  your  Ex- 
cellency would  be  pleased  to  allow  the  General  Assembly  to  meet 
at  the  time  to  which  they  now  stand  prorogued  ;  in  order  that  in 
that  Constitutional  Body,  with  whom  it  is  to  enquire  into  Grieve- 
anees  and  Redress  them,  the  Joint  Wisdom  of  the  Province  may 
be  employed,  in  deliberating  and  determining  on  a  matter  so  im- 
portant and  alarming 


92  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Town  having  considered  the  foregoing  Draft  of  a  Petition 
to  Grovernor  Hutchinson  —  It  was  Voted,  that  the  same  be  ac- 
cepted, Nem  Gon^.  also  Voted,  that 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

The  Hon'*'^.  James  Otis  Esq. 

W.  Samuel  Adams 

M^  Timothy  Newell 

D^  Benjamin  Church 

D"".  Joseph  Warren 

Coll".  Thomas  Marshall 

be  a  Coraflilttee  to  present  the  Petition  to  his  Excellency ■ 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday  next  3. 
O'clock  P  :  M  : 

Monday  November  2^  3.  O'Clock  P :  M  :  Met  According  to  Ad- 
journment 

The  Committee  appointed  to  present  a  Petition  [373.]  To 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  of  this  Province,  Reported  and  laid 
before  the  Town  the  following  Reph'  which  his  Excellency  had 

been  pleased  to  deliver  them  in  writing — Viz' 

Gentlemen 

The  Royal  Charter  reserves  to  the  Governor  full  power  and 
authority  from  time  to  time,  as  he  shall  Judge  necessary  to  Ad- 
journ prorogue  and  dissolve  the  General  Assembly 

In  the  exercise  of  this  Power  both  as  to  time  and  place  I  have 
always  been  governed  by  a  regard  to  his  Majestys  Service  and  to 
the  interest  of  the  Province 

It  did  not  appear  to  me  necessary  for  those  purposes  that  the 
Assembly  should  meet  at  the  time  to  which  it  now  stands  pro- 
rogued, and  before  I  was  informed  of  your  Address,  I  had  deter- 
mined to  prorogue  it  to  a  further  time 

The  Reasons  'which  you  have  advanced  have  not  altered  my 
Opinion.  If  not  withstanding  in  complyance  with  your  Petition 
I  should  alter  my  determination  and  meet  the  Assembly,  contrary 
to  my  own  Judgement  at  such  time  as  you  Judge  necessary,  I 
should  in  effect  yield  to  you  the  exercise  of  that  part  of  the  prerog- 
ative and  should  be  unable  to  Justify  my  conduct  to  the  King  — 
There  would  moreover  be  danger  of  encouraging  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  other  Towns  in  the  Province  to  Assemble  from  time  to  time 
in  order  to  consider  of  the  necessity  or  expediency  of  a  Session  of 
the  General  Assembly  or  to  debate  «fe  transact  other  matters  which 
the  Law  that  authorises  Towns  to  Assemble,  does  not  make  the 

business  of  a  Town  Meeting 

T.  Hutchinson 

The  foregoing  Reply  having  been  read  several  times  and 
duly  considered  ;  it  was  moved  &  the  Question  accordingly  put 
Whether  the  same  be  satisfactory  to  the  Town ;  which  passed  in 
the  Negative  iVem;   Con'.     And  tliereupon 

[373.]  Resolved  as  the  Opinion  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town  that  they  have  ever  had,  and  ought  to  have  a  right  to  Peti- 
tion the  King  or  his  Representatives  for  the  Redress  of  such 
Grievances  as  they  feel  or  for  preventing  of  such  as  they  have 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  93 

reason  to  apprehend,  and  to  communicate  their  Sentiment  to  other 
Towns 

It  was  then  moved  by  M""  Samuel  Adams,  That  a  Committee  of 
Correspondence  be  appointed  to  consist  of  twent}'  one  Persons  — 
to  state  the  Rights  of  the  Colonists  and  of  this  Province  in  partic- 
ular, as  Men,  as  Christians,  and  as  Subjects ;  to  communicate  and 
publish  the  same  to  the  several  Towns  in  this  Province  and  to  the 
World  as  the  sense  of  this  Town,  with  the  Infringements  and 
Violations  thereof  that  have  been,  or  from  time  to  time  may  be 
made  —  Also  requesting  of  each  Town  a  free  communication  of 
their  Sentiments  on  this  Subject  —  And  the  Question  being  accord- 
ingly put  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative.  Nem.  ConK  —  Also 
Voted,  that,  The  Hon*''"  James  Otis  Esq. 

lyp.  Samuel  Adams 

D''.  Joseph  Warren 

D"".  Benjamin  Church 

M^  William  Dennie 

M'.  William  Greanleaff 

Joseph  Greanleaff  Esq.  s 

D'.  Thomas  Young 

M^  William  Powell 

M'.  Nathaniel  Appleton 

M'.  Oliver  Wendell 

M'.  John  Sweetser 

Joetah  Quincy  Esq. 

Cap*.  John  Bradford 

Richard  Boyiiton  Esq. 

Cap'.  William  Mackay 

Maj"".  Nathaniel  Barber 

Heacon  Caleb  Davis 
[374.]  M^  Alexander  Hill 

M"".  William  Mollineaux 

M^  Robert  Pierpont 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  for  the  purpose  afore- 
said, and  that  they  be  desired  to  Report  to  the  Town  as  soon  as 

may  be 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 
dispatching  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  Public  Town 
Meeting   Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Fryday  the  20.  Day  of 

November  Anno  Domini  1772.  10  O'Clock.  A  :  M  : 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     -----,  -read 

The  Hon**'".  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  and  took  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving  Bills 
of  Credit  of  the  Neighbouring  Governments  as  reqmred  by  an  Act 
of  this  Province 


94  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  state  the  Rights  of  the  [375.]  Col- 
onists and  of  this  Province  in  particular,  with  the  Infringements 
and  violations  thereof  &".  &*".  Reported,  and  the  same  having  been 
twice  read  and  considered  distinctly  —  The  P'  part  of  said  Re- 
port—  viz'.  The  state  of  the  Rightu  of  the  Colottisls,  was  put  and  ac- 
cepted —  iVem.  Cow'.  The  2*  part  of  the  Report,  viz'.  The  Enu- 
meration of  the  Violations  of  our  Rights,  was  referred  to  the 
Committee  for  some  Additions  relative  to  the  Lieuetenant  Gov- 
ernor, Attorney  General  &  Soliciter  Generals  Salaries,  and  to  the 
Fees  of  the  Custom-house,  and  they  were  desired  to  report 
again 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  4.  O'Clock  P :  M : 

3  O'clock  P  :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Cmnmittee  appointed  to  Enumerate  the  Violations  of  our 
Rights — Reported  again  with  the  Amendments  &  Additions  or- 
dered by  the  Town  in  the  Forenoon,  and  the  same  having  been 
read  and  considered,  was  accepted  by  the  Town  Nem  Con"^ 

The  3"^  part  of  the  Report  of  said  Committee  — viz'.  —  A  Letter 
of  Correspoyidence  to  the  other  Towns,  was  again  read,  and  having 
been  duly  considered,  was  accepted  to  be  sent  to  the  other  Towns. 
Nem  Con' 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Proceedings  be 
printed  and  that  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  be  desired  to 
dispose  of  Six  hundred  of  the  printed  Pamphlets  amoug  the  Select- 
men of  the  several  Towns,  and  such  other  Gentlemen  as  the  Com- 
mittee shall  think  fit 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  and  hereby  is 
directed  to  Attest,  the  State  of  Rights,  and  the  Enumeration 
[376.]  Of  the  Violations  thereof;  as  has  been  accepted  by  the 
Toven 

It  was  then  moved  and  obtained,  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed 
to  sign  the  aforementioned  Letter  of  Correspondence  and  forward 
as  many  of  the  same  to  the  Selectmen  of  each  Town,  as  the  Com- 
mittee shall  think  proper  and  direct 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon"^'".  John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for 

dispatching  the  Business  thereof 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


The  Votes  and  Proceedings  of  the  Town  attheir  late  Meeting  the 
20.  November  1772  were  by  Order  of  the  Town,  published  in  a 
Pamphlet,  one  of  which  was  sent  to  each  Town  in  the  Province, 
and  the  same  as  accepted  by  said  Meeting,  is  as  follows  Viz'  — — 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  second  Instant  "to 
State  the  Rights  of  the  Colonists  and  of  this  Province  in  particular, 
as  Men,  as  Christians,  and  as  Subjects  ;  to  communicate  and  pub- 
lish the  same  to  the  several  Towns  in  this  Province  and  to  the 
World  as  the  sense  of  this  Town  with  the  Infringements  and  Vio- 
liitions  thereof  that  have  been,  or  from  Time  to  Time  may  be  made. 
Also  requesting  of  each  Town  a  free  Communication  of  their  Sen- 
timents Reported 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  95 

[377.]     Firsts  a  State  of  the  Rights  oi  the  Colonists  and  of 

-  -     -     -     this  Province  in  particular 

Secondly^  A  List  of  the  Infringements,   and   Violations  of  those 

-  -     -     -     Rights. 

TVwVdZy,  A  Letter  of  Correspondence  with  the     ------ 

other  Towns. 

P'.     Natural  Rights  of  the  Colonists  as  Men. 

Among  the  natural  Rights  of  the  Colonists  are  these  First,  a 
Right  to  Life;  Secondly  to  Liberty ;  thirdly  to  Property ;  together 
with  the  Right  to  support  and  defend  them  in  the  best  miinnerthey 
can  —  Tliose  are  evident  Branches  of,  rather  than  deductions  from 
the  Duty  of  Self  Preservation,  commonly  called  the  first  Law  of 
Nature 

All  Men  have  a  Right  to  remain  in  a  State  of  Nature  as  long 
as  they  please  :  And  in  case  of  intoUerable  Oppression,  Civil  or 
Religious,  to  leave  the  Society  they  belong  to,  and  enter  into 
another. 

When  Men  enter  into  Society,  it  is  by  voluntary  consent ;  and 
they  have  a  right  to  demand  and  insist  upon  the  performance  of 
such  conditions,  And  previous  limitations  as  form  an  equitable 
original  compact. 

Every  natural  Right  not  expressly  given  up  or  from  the  nature 
of  a  Social  Compact  necessarily  ceded  remains. 

All  positive  and  civil  laws,  should  conform  as  far  as  possible,  to 
the  Law  of  natural  reason  and  equity. 

As  neither  reason  requires,  nor  religeon  permits  the  contrary, 
every  Man  living  in  or  out  of  a  state  of  civil  society,  has  a  right 
peaceably  and  quietly  to  worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of 
his  conscience. 

•'.Just  and  true  liberty,  equal  and  impartial  liberty"  in  matters 
spiritual  and  temporal,  is  a  thing  that  all  Men  are  clearly  entitled 
to,  by  the  eternal  and  immutable  laws  [378.]  Of  God  and  nature, 
as  well  as  by  the  law  of  Nations,  &  all  well  grounded  municipal 
laws,  which  must  have  their  foundation  in  the  former.  

In  regard  to  Religeon,  mutual  tolleration  in  the  different  pro- 
fessions thereof,  is  what  all  good  and  candid  minds  in  all  ages 
have  ever  practiced ;  and  both  by  precept  and  example  inculcated 
on  mankind  :  And  it  is  now  generally  agreed  among  christians 
that  this  spirit  of  toleration  in  the  fullest  extent  consistent  with 
the  being  of  civil  society  "  is  the  chief  characteristical  mark  of 
the  true  church"  &  In  so  much  that  M"^,  Lock  has  asserted,  and 
proved  be3'ond  the  possibility  of  contradiction  on  any  solid  ground, 
that  such  toleration  ought  to  be  extended  to  all  whose  doctrines 
are  not  sul)versive  of  society.  The  only  Sects  which  he  thinks 
ought  to  be,  and  which  by  all  wise  laws  are  excluded  from  such 
toleration,  are  those  who  teach  Doctrines  subversive  of  the  Civil 
Government  under  which  they  live.  The  Roman  Catholicks  or 
Papists  are  excluded  by  reason  of  such  Doctrines  as  these  "  that 
Princes  excommunicated  may  be  deposed,  and  those  they  call 
HereticJcs  may  be  destroyed  without  mercy  ;  besides  their  recogniz- 
ing the  Pope  in  so  absolute  a  manner,  in  subversion  of  Govern- 
ment, by  introducing   as  far  as  possible  into  the  states,  under 


96  City  Document  No.  91. 

whose  protection  they  enjo_y  life,  liberty  and  property,  that  sole- 
cism in  politicks,  Imperium  in  impeiio*  leading  directly  to  the  worst 
anarchy  and  confusion,  civil  discord,  war  and  blood  shed 

The  natural  liberty  of  Men  by  entring  into  society  is  abridg'd 
or  restrained  so  far  (>nl3'  as  is  necessary  for  the 

ISee  Locks  Letters  on  Toleration 
[379.]     Great  end  of  Society  the  best  good  of  the  whole 

In  the  state  of  nature,  every  man  is  under  God,  Judge  and  sole 
Judge,  of  his  own  rights  and  the  injuries  done  him  :  By  entering 
into  society,  he  agrees  to  an  Arbiter  or  indifferent  Judge  between 
him  and  his  neighbours  ;  but  he  no  more  renounces  his  original 
right,  than  by  taking  a  cause  out  of  the  ordinary  course  of  law, 
and  leaving  the  decision  to  Referees  or  indifferent  Arbitrations. 
In  the  last  case  he  must  pay  the  Referees  for  time  and  trouble ;  he 
should  be  also  willing  to  pay  his  Just  quota  for  the  support  of 
government,  the  law  and  constitution  ;  the  end  of  which  is  to  fur- 
nish indifferent  and  impartial  Judges  in  all  cases  that  may  happen, 
whether  civil  ecclesiastical,  marine  or  military. 

"The  natural  liberty  of  man  is  to  be  free  from  any  supe- 
rior power  on  earth,  and  not  to  be  under  the  will  or  legislative 
authority  of  man  ;  but  only  to  have  the  law  of  nature  for  his 
rule." 

In  the  state  of  nature  men  may  as  the  PatriarcJis  did,  emploj' 
hired  servants  for  the  defence  of  their  lives,  liberty  and  property : ' 
and  they  should  pay  them  reasonable  wages.  Government  was 
instituted  for  the  purposes  of  common  defence  ;  and  those  who 
hold  the  reins  of  government  have  an  equitable  natural  right  to  an 
honourable  support  from  the  same  principle  "  that  the  labourer  is 
worthy  of  his  hire  "  but  then  the  same  community  which  they 
serve,  ought  to  be  assessors  of  their  pay  :  Governors  have  no 
right  to  seek  what  they  please  ;  by  this,  instead  of  being  content 
with  the  station  assigned  them,  that  of  honourable  servants  of  the 
society,  they  would  soon  become  [380.]  Absolute  masters,  Des- 
pots, and  Tyrants.  Hence  as  a  private  man  has  a  right  to  say, 
what  wages  he  will  give  in  his  private  affairs,  so  has  a  Commu- 
nity to  determine  what  they  will  give  and  grant  of  their  Sulistance, 
for  the  Administration  of  publick  affairs.  And  in  both  cases 
more  are  ready  generally  to  offer  their  Service  at  the  proposed  and 
stipulated  price,  than  are  able  and  willing  to  perform  their  duty. 

In  short  it  is  the  greatest  absurdity  to  suppose  it  in  the  power 
of  one  or  any  number  of  men  at  the  entering  into  societ}-,  to  re- 
nounce their  essential  natural  rights,  or  the  means  of  preserving 
those  rights  when  the  great  end  of  civil  government  from  the  very 
nature  of  its  institution  is  for  the  support,  protection  and  defence 
of  these  very  rights  :  the  principal  of  which  as  is  before  observed, 
are  life  liberty  and  property.  If  men  through  fear,  fraud  or  mis- 
take, should  in  terms  renounce  &  give  up  any  essential  natural 
right,  the  eternal  law  of  reason  and  the  great  end  of  society,  would 
absolutely  vacate  such  renunciation  ;  the  right  to  freedom  being 
tJie  g'ft  of  God  Almighty,  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  Man  to  alienate 
this  gift,  and  voluntarily  become  a  slave 

*  A  Government  within  a  Government  ^^ 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  97 

The  TiigJits  of  the  Colonists  as  Christians 


These  maybe  best  understood  by  reading  —  and  carefully  study- 
ing the  institutes  of  the  great  Lawgiver  and  head  of  the  Christian 
Church  :  which  are  to  be  found  closely  wiitten  and  promulgated  in 
the  Neiu  Testameyit  

By  the  Act  of  the  British  Parliament  commonly  called  the 
Toleration  Act,  every  Subject  in  England  [381.]  Except 
Papists  «fe°  was  restored  to,  and  re-established  in,  his  natu- 
ral right  to  worship  God  according  to  the  dictates  of  his  own  con- 
science. Aid  by  the  Charter  of  this  Province  it  is  granted  or- 
dained and  established  that  it  is  declared  as  an  original  right)  that 
there  shall  be  liberty  of  conscience  allowed  in  the  worship  of  God, 
to  all  christians  except  Papists,  inhabiting  or  which  shall  inhabit 
or  be  resident  within  said  Province  or  Teritory.  *Magna  Charta 
itself  is  in  substance  but  a  constrained  Declaration,  or  proclama- 
tion, and  promulgation  in  the  name  of  King,  Lord,  and  Com- 
mons of  the  sense  the  latter  had  of  their  original  inherent, 
indefeazible  natural  Rights,!  ^s  also  those  of  free  Citi- 
zens equally  perdurable  with  the  other.  That  great  author  that 
great  jurist,  and  even  that  Court  writer  IVP.  Justice  Blackstone 
^lolds  that  this  recognition  was  justly  obtained  of  King  John 
sword  in  hand  :  and  peradventure  it  must  be  one  day  sword  in 
hand  again  rescued  and  preserved  from  total  destruction  and  ob- 
livion.   


3*^.      The  Rights  of  the  Colonists  as  Suhjects 

A  Common  Wealth  or  state  is  a  body  politick  or  civil  society  of 
men,  united  together  to  promote  their  mutual  safety  and  prosper- 
ity, by  means  of  their  union  J 

The  absolute  Rights  of  Englishmen,  and  all  freemen  in  or  out  of 
Civil  society,  are  principally,  personal  security  personal  liberty  and 
private  property. 

All  Persons  born  in  the  British  American  Colonies  are  by  the 
laws  of  God  and  nature,  and  by  the  Common  law  of  England,  ex- 
clusive of  all  charters  from  the  Crown^meW 

[383.]  Entitled,  and  by  Acts  of  the  British  Parliament  are 
declared  to  be  entitled  to  all  the  natural  essential,  inherent  &  in- 
seperable  Rights  Liberties  and  Privileges  of  Subjects  born  in 
Great  Britain,  or  within  the  Realm.  Among  those  Rights  are  the 
following;  which  no  men  or  body  of  men,  cons,istently  with  theii' 
own  lights  as  men  and  citizens  or  members  of  society,  can  for 
themselves  give  up,  or  take  away  from  others 

First,  "The  first  fundamental  positive  law  of  all  Common- 
wealths or  States,  is  the  establishing  the  legislative  power ;  as  the 
first  fundamental  natural  law  also,  which  is  to  govern  even  the 
legislative  power  itself,  is  the  preservation  of  the  Society."  § 

Secondly^  The  Legislative  has  no  right  to  absolute  arbitrary 
power  over  the  lives  and  fortunes  of  the  people  :    Nor  can  mortals 

*  See  1.  Wm.  and  Mary.  St.  2.  C.  18  —  and  Massachusetts  CViarter. 
t  Lord  Cokes  Im.  Blackstone,  Commenta'-ies  — Vol.  1".  Page  122. 

X  See  Lock  and  Vatel 

§  Locke  on  Government.    Salus  Populi  Suprema  Lex  esto 


98  City  Document  No.  91.        , 

assume  a  prerogative,  not  only  too  high  for  men,  but  for  Angels ; 
and  therefore  reserved  for  the  exercise  of  the  Deity  alone.  

"  The  Legislative  cannot  Justly  a:isume  to  itself  a  power  to  rule 
by  extempore  arbitrary  decrees  ;  but  it  is  bound  to  see  that  Jus- 
tice is  dispensed,  and  that  the  rights  of  the  subjects  be  decided, 
by  promulgated,  standing  and  known  laws,  and  authorized  inde- 
pendent  Judges;"  that  is  independent  as  far  as  possible  of  Prince 
or  People.  "  There  shall  he  one  rule  of  Justice  for  rich  and  poor ; 
for  the  favorite  in  Courts  and  the  Countryman  at  the  Plough  "* 

Thirdly^  The  supreme  power  cannot  Justly  take  from  any  man, 
any  part  of  his  property  without  his  consent,  in  person  or  by  his 
Representative.  

These  are  some  of  the  fii'st  principles  of  natural  law  &  Justice, 
and  the  great  Barriers  of  all  free  states,  and  of  the  British 

[383.]  Constitution  in  particular.  It  is  utterly  irreconcile- 
able  to  these  principles,  and  to  many  other  fundamental  maxims 
of  the  common  law,  common  sense  and  reason,  that  a  British 
house  of  commons,  should  have  a  right,  at  pleasure,  to  give  and 
grant  the  property  of  the  Colonists.  That  these  Colonists  are  well 
entitled  to  all  the  essential  rights,  liberties  and  privileges  of  men 
and  freemen,  born  in  Britain,  is  manifest,  not  only  from  the  Col- 
ony charter,  in  general,  but  acts  of  the  British  Parliament.  The 
statute  of  the  13"^  of  George  2.  c  7.  naturalizes  even  foreigners 
after  seven  years  residence.  The  words  of  the  Massachusetts 
Charter  are  there,  "And  further  our  will  and  pleasure  is,  and  we 
do  hereby  for  us,  our  heirs  and  successors,  grant  establish  and 
ordain,  that  all  and  every  of  the  subjects  of  us,  our  heirs  and  suc- 
cessors, which  shall  go  to  and  inhabit  within  our  said  province  or 
territory  and  every  of  their  children  which  shall  happen  to  be 
born  there,  or  on  the  seas  in  going  thither,  or  returning  from 
thence  shall  have  and  enjoy,  all  liberties  and  immunities  of  free 
and  natuial  subjects  within  any  of  the  dominions  of  us,  our  heirs 
and  successors,  to  all  intents  constructions  &  purposes  whatsoever 
as  if  they  and  every  of  them  were  born  within  this  our  Realm  of 
England."  Now  what  liberty  can  there  be,  where  property  is  taken 
away  without  consent?  Can  it  be  said  with  any  colour  of  truth 
and  Justice,  that  this  Continent  of  three  thousand  miles  in  length, 
and  of  a  breadth  as  yet  unexplored,  in  which  however,  its  sup- 
posed, there  are  five  millions  of  people,  has  the  least  voice,  vote 
or  influence  in  the  decisions  of  the  British  Parliament?  Have  they, 
all  together,  any  more  right  or  power  to  return  a  single  number  to 
that  house  of  commons,  who  have  not  inadvertently,  but  delib- 
erately assumed  a  power  to  dispose  of  their  lives, f  Liberties  and 
properties,  then  to  dioose  an 

[384.]  Emperor  of  China  !  Had  the  Colonists  a  right  to  re- 
turn members  to  the  british  parliament,  it  would  only  be  hurtfu'l ; 
as  from  their  local  situation  and  circumstances  it  is  impossible 
they  should  be  ever  truly  and  properly  rei)resented  there.  The 
inhabitants  of  this  country  in  all  probability  in  a  few  years  will  be 
more  numex'ous,  than  those  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  together; 

*  Locke 

t  See  the  Act  of  the  last  Session,  relating  to  the  Kings  Dock  Yards  — — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  99 

yet  it  is  absurdl}'  expecterl  by  the  promoters  of  the  present  meas- 
ures, that  these,  witli  their  posterity  to  all  generations,  should  be 
easy  while  their  property,  shall  be  disposed  of  by  a  house  of 
commons  at  three  thousand  miles  distant  from  them  ;  and  who 
cannot  be  supposed  to  have  the  least  care  or  concern  for  their  real 
interest :  Who  have  not  only  no  natural  care  for  their  interest,  but 
must  be  in  effect  bribed  against  it ;  as  every  burden  they  lay  on  the 
colonists  is  so  much  saved  or  gained  to  themselves.  Hitherto  many 
of  the  Colonists  have  been  free  from  Quit  Rents  ;  but  if  the  breath 
of  a  british  house  of  commons  can  originate  an  act  for  taking  away 
all  our  money,  our  lands  will  go  next  or  be  subject  to  rack  rents 
from  haughty  and  relentless  landlords  who  will  ride  at  ease,  while 
■we  are  trodden  in  the  dirt.  The  Colonists  have  been  branded  with 
the  odious  names  of  traitors  and  rebels,  only  for  complaining  of 
their  grievances  ;  How  long  such  treatment  will,  or  ought  to  born 
is  submitted. 


A  List  of  Infringements  &  Violations  of  Rights 
We  cannot  help  thinking,  that  an  enumeration  of  some  of  the 
most  open  infringments  of  our  rights,  will  by  every  candid  Person 
be  Judged  sufficient  to  Justify  whatever  measures  have  been 
already  taken,  or  may  be  thought  proper  to  be  taken,  in  order  to 
obtain  a  redress  of  the  Grievances  under  which  we  labour.  Among 
many  others  we  [385.]  Humbly  conceive,  that  the  following  will 
not  fail  to  excite  the  attention  of  all  who  consider  themselves 
interested  in  the  happiness  and  freedom  of  mankind  in  general, 

and  of  this  continent  and  province  in  particular. 

1^'  The  British  Parliament  have  assumed  the  power  of  legisla- 
tion for  the  Colonists  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  without  obtaining 
the  consent  of  the  Inhabitants,  which  is  ever  essentially  necessary 

to  the  right  establishment  of  such  a  legislative 

2*^  They  have  exerted  that  assumed  power,  in  raising  a  Revenue 
in  the  Colonies  without  their  consent ;  thereby  depriving  them  of 
that  right  which  every  man  has  to  keep  his  own  earnings  in  his 
own  hands  untill  he  shall  in  person,  or  by  his  Representative,  think 
fit  to  part  with  the  whole  or  any  portion  of  it.  This  infringement 
is  the  more  extraordinary,  when  we  consider  the  laudable  care 
which  the  British  House  of  Commons  have  taken  to  reserve  intirely 
and  absolutely  to  themselves  the  powers  of  giving  and  granting 
moneys.  They  not  only  insist  on  originating  every  money  bill  in 
their  own  house,  but  will  not  even  allow  the  House  of  Lords  to 
make  an  amendment  in  these  bills  So  tenacious  are  they  of  this 
privilege,  so  jealous  of  any  infringement  of  the  sole  &  absolute 
right  the  people  have  to  dispose  of  their  own  money.  And  what 
renders  this  infringement  the  more  grievous  is,  that  what  of  our 
earnings  still  remains  in  our  own  haaids  is  in  a  great  measure 
deprived  of  its  value,  so  long  as  the  British  Parliament  continue  to 
claim  and  exercise  this  power  of  taxing  us  ;  for  we  cannot  Justly 
call  that  our  property  which  others  may,  when  they  please  take 
away  from  us  against  our  will. 


100  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

In  this  respect  we  are  treated  with  less  decency  and  regard  than 
the  Romans  shewed  even  to  the  Provinces  which  [386.]  Tliey  had 
conquered.  They  only  determined  upon  the  sum  wliieh  each 
should  furnish,  and  left  every  Province  to  raise  it  in  the  manner 
most  easy  and  convenient  to  themselves 

3*^  A  number  of  new  Officers,  unknown  in  the  Charter  of  this 
Province,  have  been  appointed  to  superintend  this  Revenue, 
whereas  by  our  Charter  the  Great  &  General  Court  or  Assembly  of 
this  Province  has  the  sole  right  of  appointing  all  civil  officers,  ex- 
cepting only  such  officers,  the  election  and  constitution  of  whom  is 
in  said  charter  expressly  excepted ;  among  whom  these  Officers 
are  not  included. 

4'''  These  Officers  are  by  their  Commission  invested  with  powers 
altogether  unconstitutional,  and  entirely'  destructive  to  that  security 
whicii  we  have  a  right  to  enjoy ;  and  to  the  last  degree  dangerous, 
not  only  to  our  property  ;  but  to  our  lives  :  For  the  Commissioners 
of  his  Mfijestys  customs  in  America,  or  any  three  of  them,  are  by 
their  Commission  impowered,  "by  writing  under  their  hands  and 
scales  to  constitute  and  appoint  inferior  Officers  in  all  and  singular 
the  Port  within  the  limits  of  their  commissions "  Each  of  these 
petty  officers  so  made  is  intrusted  with  power  more  absolute  and 
arbitrary  than  ought  to  be  lodged  in  tlie  hands  of  any  man  or  body 
of  men  whatsoever ;  for  in  the  commission  aforementioned,  his 
Majesty  gives  &  grants  unto  his  said  Commissioners,  or  any  three 
of  them,  and  to  all  and  every  the  Collectors  Deputy  Collectors, 
Ministers,  Servants,  and  all  other  Officers  serving  and  attending 
in  all  and  every  the  Ports  and  other  places  within  the  limits  of 
their  Commission,  full  power  and  authority  from  time  to  time,  at 
their  and  any  of  their  wills  and  pleasures,  as  well  [387.]  By 
Night  as  by  day  to  enter  and  goon  board  any  Ship,  Boat,  or  other 
Vessel,  riding  lying  or  being  within,  or  coming  into  any  Port, 
Harbour,  Creek  or  Haven,  within  the  limits  of  their  commission  ; 
and  also  in  the  day  time  to  go  into  an^'  house,  shop,  cellar, 
or  any  other  place,  where  any  goods  wares  or  merchandizes  lie 
concealed,  or  ai'e  suspected  to  lie  concealed,  whereof  the  customs 
&,  other  duties,  have  not  been,  or  shall  not  be,  duly  paid  and  truly 
satisfied,  answered  or  paid  unto  the  Collectors,  Deputy  Collectors, 
Ministers,  Servants,  and  other  Officeis  respectively,  or  otherwise 
agreed  for;  and  the  said  house,  shop,  warehouse,  cellar,  and  other 
place  to  search  and  survey,  and  all  and  every  the  boxes,  trunks, 
chests  and  packs  then  and  there  found  to  break  open." 

Thus  our  houses  and  even  our  bed  chambers,  are  exposed  to  be 
ransacked,  our  boxes  chests  &  trunks  broke  open  ravaged  and 
plundered  by  wretches,  whom  no  prudent  man  would  venture  to 
employ  even  as  menial  servants  ;  whenever  they  are  pleased  to  say 
they  suspect  thei'e  are  in  the  house  wares  &°  for  which  the  dutys 
have  not  been  paid  Flagrant  instances  of  the  wanton  exercise  of 
this  power,  have  frequently  happened  in  this  and  other  sea  port 
Towns.  By  this  we  are  cut  oif  from  that  domestick  security  which 
renders  the  lives  of  the  most  unhappy  in  some  measure  agreable. 
Those  Officers  may  under  colour  of  law  and  the  cloak  of  a  general 
warrant,  break  thro'  the  sacred  rights   of    the  DornioU^  ransack 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  101 

mens  houses,  destroy  their  securities,  carry  off  their  property,  and 
with  little  danger  to  themselves  commit  the  most  horred  mur- 
ders.   

And  we  complain  of  it  as  a  further  grievance,  that  notwith- 
standing by  the  Charter  of  this  Province,  the  Governor  aud  the 
Great  aud  General  Court  or  Assembly  of  this  [388.]  Province 
or  Territory,  for  the  time  being  shall  have  full  power  and  author- 
ity, from  time  to  time,  to  make,  ordain  and  establish  all  manner  of 
wholesome  and  reasonable  laws,  orders,  statutes,  and  ordinances, 
directions  and  instructions,  and  that  if  the  same  shall  not  within 
the  term  of  three  years  after  presenting  the  same  to  his  Majesty 
in  privy  council  be  disallowed,  they  shall  be  and  continue  in  full 
force  and  effect,  untill  the  same  shall  be  repealed  by  the  Great 
aud  General  Assembly  of  this  Province  :  Yet  the  Parliament  of 
Great  Britain  have  rendered  or  attempted  to  render,  null  and  void 
a  law  of  this  Province  made  aud  passed  in  the  Reign  of  his  late 
Majesty  George  the  first,  intitled  "  An  Act  stating  the  Fees  of 
the  Custom-house  Officers  within  this  Province"  and  by  meer  dint 
of  power,  in  violation  of  the  Charter  aforesaid,  established  other 
and  exorbitant  fees,  for  the  same  Officers  ;  any  law  of  the  Prov- 
ince to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

o*.  Fleets  and  Armies  have  been  introduced  to  support  these 
unconstitutional  Officers  in  collecting  and  managing  this  unconsti- 
tutional Revenue  ;  and  troops  have  been  quarter'd  in  this  Metrop- 
olis for  that  purpose.  Introducing  and  quartering  standing 
Armies  in  a  free  Country  in  times  of  peace  without  the  consent  of 
the  people  either  by  themiselves  or  by  their  Repi-esentatives,  is, 
and  always  has  been  deemed  a  violation  of  their  rights  as  free- 
men ;  and  of  the  Charter  or  Compact  made  between  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  and  the  People  of  this  Province,  whereby  all  the 
rights  of  British  Subjects  are  confirmed  to  us.  

6"*.  The  Revenue  arising  from  this  tax  unconstitutionally  laid, 
and  committed  to  the  management  of  persons  arbitrarily  appointed 
and  supported  by  an  armed  force  quartered  in  a  free  [389.] 
City,  has  been  in  part  applyed  to  the  most  destructive  purposes. 
It  is  absolutely  necessary  in  a  mixt  government  like  that  of  this 
Province,  that  a  due  proportion  or  balance  of  power  should  be 
established  among  the  several  branches  of  legislative.  Oiu"  An- 
cestors received  from  King  William  &  Queen  Mary  a  Charter  by 
which  it  was  understood  by  botli  parties  in  the  contract,  tliat  such 
a  proportion  or  balance  was  fixed  ;  and  therefore  every  thing 
which  renders  any  one  branch  of  the  Legislative  more  indepen- 
dent of  the  other  two  than  it  was  originally  designed,  is  an  altera- 
tion of  the  constitution  as  settled  by  the  Charter ;  and  as  it  has 
been  untill  the  establishment  of  this  Revenue,  the  constant  prac- 
tise of  the  General  Assembly  to  provide  for  the  support  of  Gov- 
ernment, so  it  is  an  essential  part  of  our  constitution,  as  it  is  a 
necessary  means  of  preserving  an  equilibrium,  without  which  we 
cannot  continue  a  free  state. • 

In  particular  it  has  always  been  held,  that  the  dependence  of 
the  Governor  of  this  Province  upon  the  General  Assembly  for  his 
support,  was  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  this  equilibrium ; 


102  City  Document  No.  91. 

nevertheless  his  Majesty  has  been  pleased  to  apply  fifteen  hun- 
dred pounds  sterling  annually  out  of  the  American  revenue,  for 
the  support  of  the  Governor  of  this  Province  independent  of  the 
Assembly,  whereby  the  ancient  connection  between  him  and  this 
people  is  weakened,  the  confidence  in  the  Governor  lessened  and 
the  equilibrium  destroyed,  and  the  constitution  essentially  al- 
tered.   

And  we  look  upon  it  highly  probable  from  the  best  intelligence 
we  have  been  able  to  obtain,  that  not  only  our  Governor  and 
Lieuvetenant  Governor,  but  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court  of 
Judicature,  as  also  the  Kings  Attorney  and  Solicitor  General  are 
to  receive  their  support  from  this  [390.]  Grievous  tribute.  This 
will  if  accomplished  compleat  our  slavery.  For  if  taxes  are 
raised  from  us  by  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  without  our 
consent,  and  the  men  on  whose  opinions  and  decisions  our  proper- 
ties liberties  and  lives,  in  a  great  measure  depend,  receive  their 
support  from  the  Revenues  arising  from  these  taxes,  we  cannot, 
when  we  think  on  the  depravity  of  mankind,  avoid  looking  with 
horror  on  the  danger  to  wlaich  we  are  exposed  ?  The  British  Par- 
liament have  shewn  their  wisdom  in  making  the  Judges  there  as 
independent  as  possible  both  on  the  Prince  and  People,  both  for 
place  and  support :  But  our  Judges  hold  their  Commissions  only 
during  pleasure  ;  the  granting  them  salaries  out  of  this  Revenue  is 
rendering  them  independent  on  the  Crown  for  their  support.  The 
King  upon  liis  first  accession  to  the  Throne,  for  giving  the  last 
hand  to  the  independency  of  the  Judges  in  England,  not  only 
upon  himself  but  his  Successors  by  recommending  and  consenting 
to  an  act  of  Parliament,  by  which  the  Judges  are  continued  in 
office,  notwithstanding  the  demise  of  a  King,  which  vacates  all 
other  Commissions,  was  applauded  by  the  whole  Nation.  How 
alarming  must  it  then  be  to  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Province,  to 
find  so  wide  a  difference  made  between  the  Subjects  in  Britain  and 
America,  as  the  rendering  the  Judges  here  altogether  dependent 
on  the  Crown  for  their  support. 

7"^.  We  find  ourselves  greatly  oppressed  by  Instructions  sent  to 
our  Governor  from  the  Court  of  Great  Britain,  whereby  the  first 
branch  of  our  legislature  is  made  merely  a  ministerial  engine. 
And  the  Province  has  already  felt  such  effects  from  these  Instruc- 
tions, as  [391o]  We  think  Justly  intitle  us  to  say  that  they 
tln'eaten  an  entire  destruction  of  our  liberties,  and  must  soon,  if 
not  checked,  render  ever}-  branch  of  our  Government  a  useless 
burthen  upon  the  people.  We  shall  point  out  some  of  the 
alarming  effects  of  these-  Instructions  which  have  already  taken 
place. 

In  consequence  of  Instructions,  the  Governor  has  called  and  ad- 
journed our  General  Assemblies  to  a  place  highly  inconvenient  to 
the  Members  and  grately  disadvantageous  to  the  interest  of  the 
Province,  even  against  his  own  declared  intention 

In  consequence  of  Instructions,  the  Assembly  has  been  pro- 
rogued from  time  to  time,  when  the  important  concerns  of  the 
Province  required  their  Meeting 

In  obedience  to  Instructions,  the  General  Assembly  was  Anno 


Boston  Town   Records,  1772.  103 

1768  dissolved  by  Governor  Bernard,  because  they  would  not  con- 
sent to  rescind  the  resolution  of  a,  former  house,  and  thereby  sac- 

rifise  the  rights  of  their  constituents. 

By  an  Instruction,  the  honourable  his  Majesty  Council  are  forbid 
to  meet  and  transact  matters  of  publick  concern  as  a  Council  of 
advice  to  the  Governor,  unless  called  by  the  Governor ;  and  if 
they  should  from  a  zealous  regard  to  the  interest  of  the  Province 
so  meet  at  any  time,  the  Governor  is  ordered  to  negative  them  at 
the  next  Election  of  Councellors.  And  although  by  the  Charter 
of  this  Province  the  Great  &  General  Court  have  full  power  and 
authority  to  impose  taxes  upon  the  estates  and  persons  of  all  and 
ever}^  the  proprietors  and  inhabitants  of  this  Province,  yet  the 
Governor  has  been  forbidden  to  give  his  consent  to  act  imposing  a 
tax  for  the  necessary  support  of  govei'nment,  unless  such  persons 
as  were  pointed  out  [393.]  In  the  said  instruction,  were  ex- 
empted from  paying  their  Just  proportion  of  said  tax 

His  Excellency  has  also  pleaded  Instructions  for  giving  up  the 
provincial  fortress.  Castle  William  into  the  hands  of  troops,  over 
whom  he  had  declared  he  had  no  controul  (and  that  at  a  time  when 
they  were  menaceing  the  Slaughter  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town,  and  our  Streets  were  stained  with  the  blood  which  they  had 
barbariously  shed)  Thus  our  Governor,  appointed  and  paid  from 
Great  Britain  with  money  forced  from  us,  is  made  an  instrament 
of  totally  preventing  or  at  least  of  rendering,  every  attem.pt  of 
the  other  two  branches  of  the  Legislative  in  favor  of  a  distressed 
and  wronged  people  :  And  least  the  complaints  naturally  occa- 
sioned by  such  oppression  should  excite  compassion  in  the  Royal 
breast,  and  induce  his  Majesty  seriously  to  set  about  relieving  us 
from  the  cruel  bondage  and  insults  which  vsrc  his  loyal  Subjects 
have  so  long  suffered,  the  Governor  is  forbidden  to  consent  to  the 
payment  of  an  Agent  to  represent  our  grievances  at  the  Court  of 
Great  Britain,  unless  he  the  Governor  consent  to  his  election,  and 
we  very  well  knew  what  the  man  must  bs  to  whose  appointment  a 

Governor  in  such  circumstances  will  consent 

While  we  are  mentioning  the  infringement  of  the  rights  of  this 
Colony  in  particular  by  means  of  Instructions,  we  cannot  help 
calling  to  remembrance  the  late  unexampled  suspension  of  the 
legislative  of  a  Sister  Colony,  New  York  by  force  of  an  Instruc- 
tion, untill  they  sliould  comply  with  an  Arbitrary  Act  of  the 
[393.]   British   Parliament  for  quartering   troops,   designed   by 

military    execution,  to  enforce  the  raising  of  a  tribute.  

8"".  The  extending  the  power  of  the  Courts  of  Vice  Admiral- 
ity  to  so  enormous  a  degree  as  deprives  the  people  in  the  Colonies 
in  a  great  measure  of  their  inestimable  right  to  tryals  by  Juries  : 
which  has  ever  been  Jus.ly  considered  as  the  grand  Bulwark  and 
security  of  English  property. 

This  alone  is  sufficient  to  rouse  our  jealousy  :  And  we  are  again 
obliged  to  take  notice  of  the  remarkable  contrast,  which  the  Brit- 
ish Parliament  have  been  pleased  to  exhibit  between  the  Subjects 
in  Great  Britain  &  the  Colonies.  In  the  same  Statute,  by  which 
they  give  up  to  the  decision  of  one  dependent  interested  Judge  of 
Adrairality  the  estates  and  properties  of  the  Colonists,  they  ex- 


104  City  Document  No.  91. 

> 

pressl}'  guard  the  estates  &  properties  of  the  people  of  Great  Brit- 
ain ;  for  all  forfeitures  &  penalties  inflicted  by  the  Statute  of 
George  the  Third,  or  any  other  Act  of  Parliament  relative  to  the 
trade  of  the  Colonies,  may  be  sued  for  in  any  Court  of  Admiralty 
in  the  Colonies  ;  but  all  penalties  and  forfeitures  which  shall  be 
incurred  in  great  Britain,  may  be  sued  for  in  any  of  his  Majestys 
Courts  of  Record  in  Westminster  or  in  the  Court  of  Exchequer  in 
Scotland,  respectively.  Thus  our  Birth  Rights  are  taken  from 
us  ;  and  that  too  with  every  mark  of  indignity,  insult  and  con- 
tempt. We  may  be  harrassed  and  dragged  from  one  part  of  the 
Continent  to  the  other  (which  some  of  our  Brethren  here  and  in 
the  Country  Towns  already  have  been)  and  finally  be  deprived 
of  our  whole  property,  by  the  arbitrary  determination  of  one 
biassed,  capricious  Judge  of  the  Admirality.  

9"^.  The  restraining  us  from  erecting  Stilling  Mills  for  manu- 
facturing our  Iron  the  natural  produce  of  this  Country,  [394.] 
Is  an  infringement  of  that  right  with  which  God  and  nature  have 
invested  us,  to  make  use  of  our  skill  and  industry  in  procuring  the 
necessaries  and  conveniences  of  life.  And  we  look  upon  the  re- 
straint laid  upon  the  manufacture  and  transportation  of  Hatts  to 
be  altogether  unreasonable  and  grievous.  Although  by  the  Charter 
all  Havens  Rivers,  Ports,  Waters  &"  are  expressly  granted  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Province  and  their  Successors,  to  their  only 
proper  use  and  behoof  forever,  yet  the  British  Parliament  passed 
an  Act,  whereby  they  restrain  us  from  carrying  our  Wool,  the  pro- 
duce of  our  own  farms,  even  over  a  ferry  ;  whereby  the  Inhabi- 
tants have  often  been  put  to  the  expence  of  carrying  a^  Bag  of 
Wool  near  an  hundred  miles  by  land,  when  passing  over  a  River  or 
Water  of  one  quarter  of  a  mile,  of  which  the  Province  are  the 
absolute  Proprietors,  would  have  prevented  all  that  trouble.  

10"^.  The  Act  passed  in  the  last  Session  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, intitled.  An  Act  for  tli".  belter  preserving  his  Majestys  Dock 
Yards,  Magizines,  iShip-i,  Ammuni! ion  and  Stores^  is,  as  we  appre- 
hend a  violent  infringement  of  our  Rights.  By  this  Act  any  one  of  us 
may  be  taken  from  his  Family,  and  carried  to  any  part  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, there  to  be  tried  whenever  it  shall  be  pretended  that  he  has  been 
concerned  in  burning  or  otherwise  destroying  any  Boat  or  Vessel, 
or  any  Materials  for  building  &''.  any  Naval  or  Victualling  Store 
&•=.  belonging  to  his  Majesty.  For  by  this  Act  all  Persons  in  the 
Realm,  or  in  any  of  the  places  thereto  belonging  (under  which  de- 
nomination we  know  the  Cohmies  are  meant  to  be  included)  may 
be  indicted  and  tryed  either  in  any  County  or  Shire  within  this 
Realm,  in  like  manner  and  form  as  if  the  offence  had  been  com- 
mitted in  said  County,  as  his  Majesty  and  his  Successors  may 
deem  [395.]  Most  expedient.  Thus  we  are  not  only  de[)rived  of 
our  grand  right  to  Iryai  by  our  Peers  in  the  Vicinity,  but  any  Per- 
son suspected,  or  pretended  to  be  suspected,  may  be  hurried  to 
Great  Britain,  to  take  his  tryal  in  any  County  the  King  or  his  Suc- 
cessors shall  please  to  direct ;  where,  innocent  or  guilty  he  is  in 
great  danger  of  being  condemned  ;  and  vrhether  condemned  or  ac- 
quitted he  will  probably  be  ruined  by  the  expense  attending  the 
tryal,  and  his  long  absence  from  his  Family  and  business ;  and  we 


Boston  Town   Records,  1772.  105 

have  the  strongest  reason  to  apprehend  that  we  shall  soon  experi- 
ence the  fatal  effects  of  this  Act,  as  about  the  3'^ear  1769  the  Brit- 
ish Parliament  passed  Resolves  for  taking  up  a  number  of  Persons 
in  the  Colonies  and  carrying  them  to  Great  Britain  for  trya!,  pre- 
tending that  they  were  authorised  so  to  do,  by  a  Statute  passed  in 
the  Reign  of  Henry  the  Eighth,  in  which  they  say  the  Colonies 
were  included,  although  the  Act  was  passed  long  before  any  Colo- 
nies were  settled,  or  even  in  contemplation.  

11"\  As  our  Ancestors  came  over  to  this  Country  that  they 
might  not  only  enjoy  tlioir  civil  but  their  religeous  rights,  and  par- 
ticularly desired  to  be  free  from  the  Prelates,  who  in  those  times 
cruill}'  persecuted  all  who  differed  in  sentiment  from  the  established 
Church ;  we  cannot  see  without  concern  the  various  attempts, 
which  have  been  made  aad  are  now  making,  to  establish  an  Ameri- 
can Episcopate.  Our  Episcopal  Brethren  of  the  Colonies  do  en- 
joy, and  rightfully  ought  ever  to  enjoy,  the  free  exercise  of  their 
religeon,  we  cannot  help  fearing  that  they  who  are  so  warmly  con- 
tending for  such  an  establishment,  have  views  altogether  inconsist- 
ent with  the  universal  and  peaceful  enjoyment  of  our  christian 
privileges  :  And  doing  or  attempting  to  do  any  thing  which  has 
even  tlie  remotest  tendency  to  endanger  this  enjoyment,  is  Justly 
looked  upon  a  great  grievance,  and  also  an  infringement  of  our 
[3D6.]  Rights,  which  is  not  barely  to  exercise,  but  peaceably  & 
securely  to  enjoy,  that  liberty  wherewith  Christ  has  made  us 
free.  

And  we  are  further  of  Oi)inion,  that  no  power  on  Earth  can 
justly  give  either  temporal  or  spiritual  Jurisdiction  within  this 
Province,  except  the  Great  &  General  Court.  We  think  therefore 
that  every  design  for  establishing  the  Jurisdiction  of  a  Bishop  in 
this  Province,  is  a  design  both  against  our  Civil  and  Religeous 
rights :  And  we  are  well  informed,  that  the  more  candid  and 
Judicious  of  our  Brethren  of  the  Church  of  England  in  this  and 
the  other  Colonies,  both  Clergy  and  Laity,  conceive  of  the  estab- 
lishing an  American  P^piscopate  both  unnecessary  and  unreason- 
able.   

12*  Another  Grievance  under  which  we  labour  is  the  frequent 
alteration  of  the  bounds  of  the  Colonies  by  decisions  before  the 
King  and  Council,  explanatory  of  former  grants  and  Charters. 
This  not  only  subjects  Men  to  live  under  a  constitution  to  which 
they  have  nut  consented,  which  in  itself  is  a  great  Grievance  ;  but 
moreover  under  color,  that  the  right  of  Soil  is  affected  by  such 
declarations,  some  Governors,  or  Ministers,  or  both  in  conjunc- 
tion, have  pretended  to  Grant  in  consequence  of  a  Mandamus 
many  thousands  of  Acres  of  Lands  appropriated  near  a  Century 
past ;  and  rendered  valuable  by  the  labours  of  the  present  Cultiva- 
tors and  their  Ancestors.  There  are  very  notable  instances  of  Setlers, 
who  having  first  purchased  the  Soil  of  the  Natives,  have  at  consid- 
erable expence  obtained  confermation  of  title  from  this  Province  ; 
and  on  being  transferred  to  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  have  been  put  to  the  ti-ouble  and  cost  of  a  new  Grant 
or  confermation  from  thence  ;  and  after  all  this  there  has  been  a 
third  declaration  of  Royal  Will,  that  they  should  thence  forth  be 


106  City  Document  No.  91. 

considered  as  pertaining  [397.]  To  the  Province  of  New  YorTc. 
Tlie  troubles,  espences  and  dangers  which  hundreds  have  been  put 
to  on  such  occasions,  cannot  here  be  recited ;  but  so  much  may  be 
said,  that  they  have  been  most  cruelly  harrassed,  and  even  threat- 
ned  with  a  militar}'  force,  to  dragoon  them  into  a  compliance,  with 
the  most  unreasonable  demands.  , 

A  Letter  of  Correspondence  to  the  other  Towns. 

Boston  November  20  :  1772 
Gentlemen  We  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  duly  Assembled,  according  to  Law,  apprehending 
there  is  abundant  to  be  alarmed  at  the  plan  of  Despotism,  which 
the  enemies  of  our  invaluable  rights  have  concerted,  is  rapidly 
hastening  to  a  completion,  can  no  longer  conceal  our  impatience 
under  a  constant,  unremitted,  uniform  aim  to  enslave  us,  or  con- 
fide in  an  Administration  which  threatens  us  with  certain  and 
inevitable  destruction.  But,  when  in  addition  to  the  repeated 
inroads  made  upon  the  Rights  and  Liberties  of  the  Colonists,  and 
of  those  in  this  Province  in  particular,  we  reflect  on  the  late  extraor- 
dinary measure  in  affixing  stipends  or  Salaries  from  the  Crown 
to  the  Offices  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court  of  Judicature, 
maliing  them  not  only  intirely  independent  of  the  people,  whose 
lives  and  properties  are  so  much  in  their  power,  but  absolutely 
dependent  on  the  Crown  (which  may  hereafter,  be  worn  by  a 
Tyrant)  both  for  their  appointment  and  support,  we  cannot  but  be 
extremely  alarmed  at  the  mischievous  tendency  of  this  innovation  ; 
which  in  our  opinion  is  directly  contrary  to  the  spirit  of  the  British 
Constitution,  pregnant  with  innumerable  evils,  and  hath  a  direct 
tendency  [398.]  To  deprive  us  of  every  thing  valuable  as  Men, 
as  Christians  and  as  Subjects,  entitled,  by  the  Royal  Charter,  to  all 
the  Rights,  liberties  and  privileges  of  native  Britons.  Such  being 
the  critical  state  of  this  Province,  we  think  it  our  duty  on  this 
truly  distressing  occasion,  to  ask  you.  What  can  withstand  the 
Attacks  of  mere  power?  What  can  preserve  the  liberties  of  the 
Subject,  when  the  Barriers  of  the  Constitution  are  taken  away? 
The  Town  of  Boston  consulting  on  the  matter  above  mentioned, 
thought  proper  to  make  application  to  the  Governor  by  a  Com- 
mittee ;  requesting  his  Excellencj-  to  communicate  such  intelligence 
as  he  might  have  received  relative  to  the  report  of  the  Judges 
having  their  support  independent  of  the  grants  of  this  Province 
a  Copy  of  which  you  have  herewith  in  Paper  N.  1.  To 
v/hich  we  received  as  answer  the  Paper  N.  2.  The  Town 
on  further  deliberation,  thought  it  advisable  to  refer  the  mat- 
ter to  the  Great  and  General  Assembly ;  and  accordingly  in 
a  second  address  as  N.  3  they  requested  his  Excellency  that  the 
General  Court  might  Convene  at  the  time  to  which  they  then 
stood  prorogued ;  to  which  the  Town  received  the  reply  as  in  N. 
4.  in  which  we  are  acquainted  with  his  intentions  further  to 
prorogue  the  General  Assembly,  which  has  since  taken  place. 
Thus  Gentlemen  it  is  evident  his  Excellency  declines  giving  the 
least  satisfaction  as  io  the  matter  in  request.  The  affair  being  of 
publick  concernment,  the  Town  of  Boston  thought  it  necessary  to 


Boston  Town  Records,  1772.  107 

consult  with  their  Brethren  tliroughout  the  Province  ;  and  for  this 
purpose  appointed  a  Committee,  to  communicate  with  our  fellow 
Sufferers,  respecting  this  recent  instance  of  oppression,  as  well 
as  the  mau}^  other  violations  of  our  Rights  under  which  we  have 
groaned  for  several  Years  past — This  Committee  have  briefly 
[39i>,]  Recapitulated  the  sense  we  have  of  our  invalualijle  Rights 
as  Men,  as  Christians,  and  as  Subjects  ;  and  wherein  we  conceive 
those  Rights  to  have  been  violated,  which  we  are  desirous  may  be 
laid  before  your  Town,  that  the  subject  may  be  weighed  as  its  im- 
portance requires,  and  the  collected  wisdom  of  the  N\hole  People, 
as  far  as  possible,  be  obtained,  on  a  deliberation  of  such  great  and 
lasting  moment  as  to  involve  in  it  the  fate  of  all  our  Posterity  — 
Great  pains  has  been  taken  to  perswade  the  British  Administration 
to  think  that  the  good  People  of  this  Province  in  general  are  quiet 
and  undisturbed  at  the  late  measures  ;  and  that  any  uneasiness 
that  appears,  arises  from  a  few  factious  designing  and  disaffected 
men.  This  renders  it  the  more  necessarj'^,  that  the  sense  of  the 
People  should  be  explicitly  declared.  —  A  free  communication 
of  your  sentiments  to  this  Town,  of  our  common  danger,  is  ear- 
nestly solicited  and  will  be  gratefully  received.  If  you  concur  with 
us  in  opinion,  that  our  Rights  are  properly  stated,  and  that 
the  several  Acts  of  Parliament,  and  Measures  of  Administration, 
pointed  out  by  us  are  subversive  of  these  Rights,  you  will  doubtless 
think  it  of  the  utmost  importance  that  we  stand  firm  as  one  man, 
to  recover  and  support  them  ;  and  to  take  such  measures  by  di- 
recting our  Representatives,  or  otherwise,  as  your  wisdom  and  for- 
titude shall  dictate,  to  rescue  from  impending  ruin  our  happy  and 
glorious  constitution.  But  if  it  should  be  the  general  voice  of 
this  Province,  that  the  Rights  as  we  have  stated  them,  do  not  be- 
long to  us  ;  or  that  the  several  measures  of  Administration  in  the 
British  Court,  are  no  violations  of  these  Rights,  or  that  if  they 
are  thus  violated  or  infringed,  they  are  not  worth  contending  for, 
or  resolutely  maintaining  ;  —  should  this  be  the  general  voice  of 
the  [400.]  Province,  we  must  be  resigned  to  our  wretched  fate  ; 
but  shall  forever  lament  the  extinction  of  that  generous  ardor  for 
Civil  and  Religeous  liberty,  which  in  the  face  of  every  danger, 
and  even  death  itself,  induced  our  fathers  to  forsake  the  bosom  of 
their  Native  Country,  and  begin  a  settlement  on  bare  Creation  — 
But  we  trust  this  cannot  be  the  case  :  We  are  sure  your  wisdom, 
your  regard  to  yourselves  and  the  rising  Generation,  cannot  suffer 
3'OU  to  dose,  or  set  supinely  indifferent  on  thebi'ink  of  destruction, 
while  the  Iron  hand  of  oppression  is  dayly  tearing  the  choicest 
Fruit  from  the  fair  Tree  of  Liberty,  planted  by  our  worthy 
Predecessors,  at  the  expence  of  their  treasui'e,  &  abundantly  wa- 
ter'd  with  their  blood  —  It  is  an  observation  of  an  eminent  Pa- 
triot, that  a  People  long  inured  to  hardshi}3s,  loose  by  degrees  the 
very  notions  of  liberty ;  they  look  upon  themselves  as  Creatures 
at  mercy,  and  that  all  impositions  laid  on  by  superior  hands,  are 
legal  and  obligatory.  —  But  thank  Heaven  this  is  not  yet  veri- 
fied in  ^menca.'  We  have  j^et  some  share  of  publick  virtue  re- 
maining :  we  are  not  afraid  of  poverty,  but  disdain  slavei-y.  — 
The  fate  of  Nations  is  so  Precarious  and  resolutions  in  States  so 


108  City  Document  No.  91. 

often  take  place  at  an  unexpected  moment,  when  the  hand  of  power 
by  fraud  or  flattery,  has  secured  every  Avenue  of  retreat,  and 
the  minds  of  the  Subject  debased  to  its  purpose,  tliat  it  becomes 
every  will  wisher  to  his  Country,  while  it  has  any  remains  of  free- 
dom, to  keep  an  Eagle  Eye  upon  every  inovation  and  stretch  of 
power,  in  those  that  have  the  rule  over  us.  A  recent  instance  of 
this  we  have  in  the  late  Revolutions  in  Siveden,  by  wliich  the 
Prince  once  subject  to  the  laws  of  the  State,  has  been  able  of  a 
sudden  to  declare  himself  an  absolute  Monarcli  The  S weeds  were 
once  a  free,  martial  and  valient  people:  [401.]  Their  minds 
are  now  so  debaced,  that  the}'  rejoice  at  being  subject  to  the  ca- 
price and  arbitrary  power  of  a  Tyrant  &  kiss  their  Chains.  It 
makes  us  shudder  to  think,  the  late  measures  of  Administration 
may  be  productive  of  the  like  Catastrophe  ;  which  Heaven  for- 
bid !  —  Let  us  consider  Brethren,  we  are  struggling  for  our  best 
Birth  Rights  &  Inheritance  ;  which  being  infringed,  renders  all 
our  blessings  precarious  in  their  enjoyments,  and  consequently 
Iriffling  in  their  value.  Let  us  disappoint  the  Men  who  are  raising 
themselves  on  the  ruin  of  this  Country.  Let  us  convince  every  In- 
vader of  our  freedom,  that  we  will  be  as  free  as  the  Constitution 
our  Fathers  recognized,  will  Justify. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legall}^  warned  in  publick  Town 
Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Fryday  the  5'^^.  Day  of 
March  Anno  Domini  1773 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     ------     read 


The  Hon^'*^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  &  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Ham- 
shire,  and  Rhode  Island  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Prov- 
mce 

[403.]  The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  5*.  of 
March  last,  to  apply  to  a  proper  Gentleman,  to  deliver  an  Oration 
5^^.  of  March  Instant  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  horred 
Massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  March  1770 — by  a 
Party  of  Soldiers  under  the  Order  and  Eye  of  Cap*.  Thomas 
Preston  of  the  29*.  Regiment Reported 

"  That  they  had  met  together  Several  times  for  the  purposes 
mentioned  iu  the  Towns  Vote  and  that  they  had  unanimously 
chosen  D".  Benjamin  Church  to  deliver  an  Oration  for  the  pur- 
poses mentioned  in  said  Vote,  who  had  accordingly  accepted  of 
that  service  "  

The  above  Report  having  been  read,  the  Question  was  put  — 
Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative, 
unanimously. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  the  Town  took  into  Consideration  the 
Time  when  it  would  be  best  to  have  the  Oration  pronounced,  as 
also  what  place  would  be  most  suitable  for  the  purpose  — 
whereupon 


Boston  Town   Records,  1773.  100 

Voted,  that  the  Oration  be  delivered  |  past  12  O'Clock  at  the 
Old  South  Meeting  House  the  Hall  not  being  thought  capacious 
enough  to  receive  the  Inhabitants  that  would  probably  attend  ; 
and  the  Committee  of  that  Society  having  upon  application  con- 
sented, that  the  House  should  be  made  use  of  on  this  occasion 

Voted,  that  D"".  Joseph  Warren 

The  Hon'''''.  James  Otis  Esq. 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  D''.  Benjamin  Church  and  acquaint 
him  ;  that  it  is  the  desire  of  the  Town  that  the  [403.]  Oration 
may  be  delivered  at  the  Old  South  Meeting  House  at  three  quar- 
ters past  12.  O'clock,  this  Forenoon 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to 
the  Old  South  Meeting  House,  three    quarters  past  12.  O'Clock 

this  Forenoon 

The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment  at   the    Old    South 

Meeting  House  at  f  past  12.  O'Clock  A  :  M  : 

The  Committee  appointed  to  wait  upon  D^  Church  to  acquaint 
him  with  the  Vote  of  the  Town  respecting  the  time  and  place  for 
the  deliver}'  of  an  Oration  —  Reported,  that  said  Gentleman,  was 
ready  to  comply  with  the  Orders  of  the  Town,  made  known  to 

him  by  their  Committee 

An  Oration  to  commemorate  the  horred  Massacre  of  the  5'^.  of 
March  1770  and  to  impress  upon  the  Minds  of  the  Citizens  the 
ruinous  tendency  of  standing  Armies  being  placed  in  Free  and 
Populous  Cities  (&,".  was  delivered  by  D^  Benjamin  Church  to  a 
large  and  crowded  Audience,  and  received  by  them    with    great 

applause 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted  unanimously  that  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to  D''.  Benjamin 
Church  for  the  Elegant  and  spirited  Oration  delivered  by  him  at 
their  request  in  commemoration  of  the  horred  Massacre  perpe- 
trated on  the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770.  by  a  Party  of  Sol- 
diers of  the  29.  Regiment  under  the  Command  of  Cap'.  Thomas 
Preston  —  also 

Voted,  that  the  Hon**'®.  John  Hancock  Esq.  ^ 

Hon'''®.  James  Otis  Esq. 
[404.]  M^  Samuel  Adams 

John  Scollajf  Esq. 

D"".  Jo?!eph  Warren 

M"^.  William  Dennie 

ColP.  Thomas  Marshall 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  D'".  Benja- 
min Church,  and  in  the  name  of  the  Town  to  request  of  him  a 
Copy  of  the  said  Oration  for  the  Press 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  —  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'''^  John  Haiicock  Esq. 

M^  Samuel  Adams 

M'.  William  Mollineux 

Hon'"^  Thomas  Cushing 

D"^.  Benjamin  Church 

D"".  Joseph  Warren 


110  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Hon''''^.  James  Otis  Esq. 

M^  James  Lovel 

Samuel  Pemberlon  Esq. 
be  and  hereby  are  Appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  a  proper 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5''\  of  March  next 
to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  horred  Massacre  perpetrated  on 
the  Evening  of  the  5.  of  March  1770  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of 
the  29.  Regiment  under  the  Command  of  Cap'.  Thomas  Preston  ; 
and  to  impress  upon  our  minds  the  ruinous  tendency  of  standing 
Armies  being  placed  in  Free  and  Populous  Cities  ;  and  the  neces- 
sity of  such  noble  exertions  in  all  future  times,  as  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  then  made,  whereby  the  designs  of  the  Conspirators 

against  the  publick  liberty,  may  be  still  frustrated 

Thanks  Voted  unanimously  to  the  Moderator 
Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 


[405.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in 
publick  Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
8"^.  Day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1773 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev*^.  D'.  Pemberton 


Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting read 

Sundry  laws  enjoined  to  be  read  at  this  Meeting  were  accord- 
ingly, read 

The  Hon*"®.  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  and  took  the  Oaths  respecting  his  paying  and  receiving 
Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New  Hampshire 

and  Rhode  Island  as  required  by  an  Act  of  this  Province. 

M'.  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  en- 
suing, and  having  taken  the  Oath  respecting  his  paying  and  re- 
ceiving Bills  of  Credit  of  the  Governments  of  Connecticut  New 
Hampshire  and  Rhode  Island  ;  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  his  Duty,  which  Oaths  were  administred  to 

him  by  M^  Justice  Hill " 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  Seven  Selectmen  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared  that 
The  Hon**'^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
John  ScoUay  Esq. 
M^  Timothy  Newell 
Coll°.  Thomas  Marshall 
M''.  Samuel  Austin 
M'.  Oliver  Wendell 
[406.]  M^  John  Pitts 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
John  Barrett  Esq. 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
M'.  Benjamin  Dolbear 
M^  William  Whitwell 
M^  William  Greanleaff 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1773.  Ill 

Willinra  White  Esq. 

John  Leveret  Esq. 

John  Gore  Esq. 

Cap'.  Samuel  Partridge 

M^  Samuel  Whitwell 

M^  Samuel  Abbot 

W.  Daniel  Waldo 

were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Wardens  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M^  Edward  Paj-ne     -     -     -     (excused) 

Ezekiel  Cheever  Esq. 

M"".  Samuel  Hews 

M^  John  Copely (d°) 

Arnold  Wells  Esq. (d") 

M"".  James  Twing 

M'.  Nathaniel  Gary 

Cap'.  Caleb  Hopkins 

Cap*.  Edward  Procter 

M^  Gibbins  Sharp 

M"".  Peter  Boyer 

Cap'.  Benjamin  Cobb 

were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuina; 


see  Page. 
[407,]    The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire- 
Wards  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

Newman  Grenough  Esq. 

M".  William  Cooper 

M^  John  Mi  CO  Wendell 

Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

M''.  Joseph  Tyler 

Adino  Paddock  Esq.  ' 

M"".  James  Richardson     -     -     -     -     (excused) 

Cap'.  Benjamin  Waldo 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

Cap'.  Martin  Gay 
Francis  Shaw  Esq. 
M".  Alexander  Hill 
Cap'.  Job  Prince 

Cap'.  Edward  Procter 

were  chose  Fire-Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing     -     -     -     - 

see  Page 
Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  choice  of  a  County  Treas- 
urer be  referred  to  4  O'Clock  P  :  M  : 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

3  O'clock,  P :  M  :  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer  and 

upon   sorting    them  it    appeared,    that   M^     David   Jeffries  was 

chosen,   and   having  taken  the   Oath  respecting   his  paying  and 


112  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

receiving  Bills  of  Credit  of  the  other  Governments  took  the  Oath 

of  Office  for  the  f aitliful  discharge  of  his  duty 

[408.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  the  Question  was 
put  —  "Whether  Constables    and    Collectors  of  Taxes  shall  be 

chose  separate  "     -     -     -     Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  remitted  out  of  the  Ten 
Pounds  fine  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of 

Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  shall  decline  Serving 

A  Motion  was  made  that  there  sliould  be  only  one  Constable 
now  chosen,  and  that  the  choice  of  the  others  should  be  referred 
to  the  Adjournment ;  and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  — 

Passed  in  the  Negative 

Mess".  Thomas  Love 

Cyrus  Baldwin 

Richard  Salter 

John  Tayler 

John  Winthrop 

James  Cazneau 

James  Sethrigg 

William  Pitts 

Robert  Ruggles 

Joseph  Coolidge 

John  Kneeland 

John  Barret  Jun''.     -----    (excused) 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page 

M^  John  Gray 
was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing  in  the  room 
of  M''.  Henderson  Inches,  who  was  first  chosen  but  excused  by  the 

Town 

Mess".  William  Nichols 

Andrew  Symms 
[409.]  William  Nichols 

Clement  Collins 

Henry  Allen 

Isaac  Vergoose 

John  Grenough 

Jacob  Thayer 

Joseph  Edmunds 

Richard  Walker 

John  Champney 

John  Bulfinch 

Abraham  Howard 

Joseph  Buller 

Joseph  Ayres 

Thomas  Bayley 

Andrew  Townsend 

Joseph  Ballard 

John  Holland 

John  Rogers 

Edmund  Ranger 

Thomas  Uran 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  113 

Elisha  Holmes 
Obediah  Low 
Benjamin  Page 
Clement  Collins  Jua'. 
Dinely  Wing 
Henry  Blaisdell 
Abraham  Rogers 

were  chose  Surveyers  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  John  Joy 

Obediah  Low 
Samuel  Dyer 
William  Crafts 
were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing  ■ 

[410.]  Mess"  Samuel  Bangs 

Joseph  Clark 
Daniel  Parks 
Benjamin  Bass 
Thomas  Noland 
were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing  — — 

Mess"  William  Daws  Jua' 
Thomas  Edes 
were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess"  Peter  Cotta 

Manasah  Masters 
Joseph  Dyer 
John  Harskins 
David  Spear 
Jonathan  Jenkins 
Job  Wheelwright 
Joshua  Pico 
Benjamin  Salt 
Paul  Baxter 
John  Owen 
Thomas  Knox 
Samuel  White 
Edward  Cowell 
Peter  Ellis 
Timothy  Pease 
Nathaniel  Waterman 
Jacob  Williams 
Samuel  Bernard 
John  Nowell 
Henry  Lucas 
Caleb  Hayden 
James  Bernard 
[411.]                             Richard  Flood 
William  Rogers 
Samuel  Peck 
were  chose  Collectors  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing 


114 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Mess" :  David  Simins 

William  IVPFadden 
were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing  - 

M'  Thomas  Smith 
was  chosen  a  Hay  ward  for  the  Year  ensuing- 


Mess":  Josiah  Vose  -  - 
Joseph  Snelling  - 
Caleb  Champney 
Francis  Pulcifer- 
James  Thompson 
Samuel  Bradstreet 
Charles  Ferren  - 
John  Langdon  - 
Samuel  Warden - 
John  Fullerton  - 
Thomas  Chase  - 
Benjamin  Wheeler 
were  chose  Scavengers  for  the  Year  ensuing 


"Wards. 

-  I 

-2 

-  3 

-  4 

-  5 

-  6  (excused) 

-  7 

-  8 
-9 
-10 

-  11 

-  12 

see  Page  J>. 


The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Constables,  the 
Persons  chose  into  that  Office  are 

.  Mess":  Augustus  Hail 

Hezekiah  Usher 

George  Thomas 

Samuel  Greanleaff 

John  Hammatt 

Elias  Dupee 
[413.]  John  Wells 

John  Coverley 

Stephen  Symms 

John  Beunet 

Joseph  Foye 

see  Page 

John  Tudor  Esq 

M""  John  Lucas 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Wheat  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Cap'  Martin  Gay 

M"^  John  Skinner 
were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Coll"  Joseph  Jackson 

Coll°  John  Leveret 

M"^  John  Sweetser 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  &  they  are 
desired  and  empowered  to  give  all  needful  direction  to  the  Keeper 
of  the  Granary  respecting  the  quantity  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  and 
affixing  the  price  thereof  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  shall  re- 
quire ;  And  the  said  Committee  are  desired  and  directed  to 
cause  all  the  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  ground  at 
the  New  Mills  near  the  Mill  Bridge,  now  occupied  by  M''  George 
Leonard 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  115 

The  Selectmen 
chosen  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways  for  the  Year  ensuing 


Votes,  for  a  County  Treasurer,  brought  in  &  being  sealed  up  in 
Town  Meeting,  were  delivered  to  M"  Constable  Bennet,  for  him  to 
rdeliver  to' the  Court  of  Sessions 

[413.1  The  Selectmen  Reported  on  the  Accomptof  M"'  Benja- 
min Fenno  Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  which  Ac- 
compt  as  enter'd  in  his  Books  (and  on  file  in  the  Town  Clerks 
Office)  was  read  —  whereupon  it  was  Voted,  that  the  same  be 
accepted  and  that  M''  Fenno  be  accountable  to  the  Town  for  7»>. 
Bushels  of  Corn,  and  16  ditto  of  Rye  amounting  to  £18  ,,  5  ,,  4. 
and  also  for  the  sum  of  £185  ,,  19  ,,  3  Cash  now  in  his  hands 
exclusive  of  the  Sum  of  £32  ,,  13  ,,  4.  for  his  Salary  and  attend- 
ance as  charged  in  his  Account,  which  is  hereby  allowed  him 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  expediency  of 
fixing  Lamps  in  this  Tovvn  having  met  several  times  and  taken 
the  same  into  consideration  beg  leave  to  Report  —  That  for  the 
convenience  and  safety  of  the  Inhabitants  and  their  Property  it 
would  be  adviseable  for  the  Town  to  have  300  —  Street  Lamps  flxt 
in  commodious  places  to  be  hereafter  determined 

The  Ccmimittee  Judge,  that  each  Lamp  with  the  charge  of 
Erecting  the  same  will  cost  about  thirty  Shillings 

That  the  Annual  consumption  of  Oyle  will  be  about  10  Gallons 
to  a  Lamp,  which  at  the  present  price  of  Oyle,  with  the  Wick 
Yarn  attendance  and  repairs,  will  cost  about  thirty  six  Shil- 
lings   

As  to  ways  and  means  for  defreying  the  charge  it  is  recom- 
mended to  the  Town  to  appoint  a  Committee  to  procure  Subscrip- 
.tions  for  the  first  cost  of  the  Lamps,  if  this  should  meet  with  due 
encouragement :  It  is  recommended  that  an  application  bo  made 
to  the  General  Court  for  a  Law  obliging  the  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town  to  pay  a  certain  yearly  rate  for  every  Wheel  Carriage  they 
own,  and  impowering  the  Town  Treasurer  to  receive  of  every  In- 
holder  and  Retailer  of  Spirituous  Liquors  and  Vendue  Masters  a 
certain  sum  when  they  renew  their  Licenses  [414.]  From  these 
Funds   it  is    imagined    the    Expence    may    be    defreyed  —  All 

which  is  submitted 

John  Rowe  p  Order. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  and  considered  —  the 
Question  was  put — "Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted"  — 
Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded.  Voted,  that     -     -     - 
M''.  James  Richardson 
M"".  Edward  Payde 
M^  Daniel  Hubbard 
M^  Caleb  Davis 
M"".  Robert  Peirpoint 
M^  William  Bant 
■  M"".  Philip  Dumaresque 


116  City  Document  No.  91. 

M'.  Henry  Hill 

M"".  Peter  Johonnot 

M^  John  Ballard 

Cap'.  William  Mackay 

Cap*.  John  Bradford 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  procure  Subscriptions 
for  the  first  cost  of  the  Lamps. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 

The  Representatives  of  the  Town  & 
The  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  make  application  to 
the  General  Court  for  a  law  obliging  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 
to  pay  a  certain  Yearly  rate  for  every  Wheel  Carriage  they  own, 
and  impowering  the  Town  Treasurer  to  receive  of  every  Inholder 
and  Retailer  of  Spirituous  Liquors  and  Vendue  Masters,  a  [415.] 
Certain  Sum  when  they  receive  their  Licenses,  as  a  Fund  to  sup- 
port the  Expence  of  keeping  and  supplying  three  hundred  Lamps 

in  this  Town 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assessors,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M'.  John  Kneeland 

M"^.  Benjamin  Church 

Belcher  Noyes  Esq. 

M^  Daniel  Pecker 

M'^.  Jonathan  Brown 

Gyles  Harris  Esq. 

Cap'.  Samuel  Downe 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be  and  he  hereby  is  impowered  and  directed  to  borrow  on  In- 
terest a  Sum  not  exceeding  Four  hundred  pounds  lawful  Money 
for  the  use  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  to  purchase  Grain  &°. 
for  the  Almshouse 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be  and  he  hereby  is  directed  and  impower'd  to  give  his  nego- 
tiable Notes  upon  Interest  to  such  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
as  are  in  advance  for  the  relief  of  the  Town,  for  such  sums  as  ap- 
pear to  be  due  them  respectively  upon  the  Auditing  of  their  Ac- 
counts to  the  present  Month.  

Voted ,  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hei'eby  are  impowered  and  directed 
to  set  for  Abatement  of  such  Taxes  as  they  shall  Judge  reasonable  on 
every  Wednesday  untill  the  last  Wednesday  in  April  inclusive  and 
no  longer  siving  that  they  be  allowed  to  set  tlie  two  last  Weeks  in 
November,  for  the  [416.]  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Per- 
sons as  had  not  an  opportunity  of  applying  the  above  limitted  time 
by  reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province  ;  at  which  Time  They 
are  also  allowed  and  impower'd  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  such  Per- 
sons as  may  have  died  Insolvent  between  the  said  last  Wednesday 
in  April  and  the  last  Day  of  November. 

Tlie  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inliabitants  "  that  Hog  Alley 
may  be  disposed  of  or  some  method  taken  to  carry  off  the  filth 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  117 

and  waste  Water  which  greatly  incommodes  the  Abutters."  was 

read  and  considered,  whereupon 

Voted,  that  Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
M^  Robert  Peirpoint 
Samuel  Swift  Esq. 
M"".  Thomas  Chase 
M'.  Thomas  Bayler 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  the  Petition  view  the  Premisses  and 
examine  into  the  Title  of  the  Town  to  said  AUej',  and  Report  their 

Opinion  at  the  Adjournment 

The  Petition  of  M^  Joseph  Russell  "  that  the  Town  would  sell 
him  a  small  peice  of  the  Land,  adjoining  to  his  House  and  Land  in 

Queen  Street."  was  read,  whereupon 

Voted,  that  The  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  consider  the  Pe- 
tition, and  Report  their  Opinion  at  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  next.  9. 
O'clock.  A  :  M  : 

Tuesday  9.  March,  9  O'Clock  Met  according  to  Adjournment. 

[417.]  M^  Joseph  Loring 

was  chosen  a  Scavinger  for  Ward  N°.  6  in  the  room  of  M^  Samuel 

Bradstreet 

Voted,  That  M^  Edward  Payne 
M^  Alexander  Hill 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
Thomas  Dawes  Esq. 
Cap'.  John  Bradford 
be    and    they    hereby    are    appointed    a    Committee    to    Audit 
the    Accompts   of    M"".     Treasurer    Jeffries,    and    the    Accompts 
of    the   Overseers   of   the    Poor,    and    the    said    Committee   are 
enjoined  to  inspect  every  particular  Accompt  of  the  Moneys  ex- 
pended for  the  use  of  the  Almshouse  ;  they  are  also  impowered 
when  they  shall  Audit  said  Accompts  to  allow  such  of  the  Over- 
seers as  shall  advance  Money  for  the  relief  of  the  Poor,  Interest 
on  all  such  sums  from  the  time  so  advanced,  till  they  shall  have 
Audited  said  Accompts  ;  And  they  are  also  desired  to  Report  from 
time  to  time  a  state  of  the  Treasury  respecting  the  Debts  and 
Credits,  and  on  any  matters  that  they  may  think  proper.  

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  twelve  Pence  on  the  pound  be  &  hereby 
is  allowed  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes 
for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  Collect ;  pro- 
vided they  pay  into  the  several  Treasuries  the  whole  Sum  committed 
to  them  to  Collect  on  or  before  the  tenth  Day  of  August  1774. 
Eight  Pence  on  the  Pound  on  all  such  other  Sums  as  they  shall 
have  so  paid  into  said  Treasuries  on  or  before  the  20.  Day  of 
December  1774.  And  four  Pence  on  the  Pound  upon  the  remain- 
der of  the  sums  the}'  shall  be  obliged  to  Collect,  provided  such 
remainder  shall  be  fully  paid  in  on  or  before  the  second  Monday 
in  March  1775  —  This  Premium  as  above  expressed  appears  to  be 
Just  &  equitable  &  an  ample  allowance  to  the  Collectors  to 
encourage  them  to  [418.]  Discharge  their  duty  with  diligence  and 
fidelity  ;  provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond  with 


118  City  Document  No.  91. 

sufficient   Sureties  to.  the  satisfaction  of  the    Selectmen,  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  their  duty  in  said  Office  ;  and  complying  with 

this  Vote 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
Mess":  Edward  Hollyday 
Abraham  Savage 
r  '  Benjamin  Henderson 

Benjamin  Gray 

were  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted,  that  the  consideration  of  Schoolmasters  Salarys  and  all 
other  Salaries  and  Grants  be  referred  over  to  next  May  Meet- 
ing  

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  Inhabitants,  "  that  a  Watch  House 
may  be  Erected  at  the  Westerly  part  of  the  Town  and  a  suitable 
Watch  be  appointed "  was  read  and  considered,  whereupon  — 
Voted,  that  the  Prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted  and  that  the 
Selectmen  be  directed  to  Erect  a  Watch-house  on  some  suitable 
place  at  New  Boston,  and  to  appoint  a  proper   Watch  for   the 

same 

.    The  Petition, of  Cap'  Edward  Jarvis,  "  that  his  tax  for  the  Year 
1760.  may  be  abated  him  for  reasons  therein  mentioned"  was  read,^ 

whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  take  the  same  into  consideration  and  Report  at  the 
Adjournmeut  the  true  state  of  the  matter  respecting  the  Abate- 
ments   

[41  9.]  The  Petition  of  M^  Samuel  Holbrook  Master  of  the 
Writing  School  in  tlie  Common  "  that  some  Relief  may  be  afforded 
him  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  his  Petition."  was  read,  whereupon 
Voted,  that  the  Consideration  thereof  be  referred  over  to  May 
Meeting 

The  Petition  of  M''.  John  Fenno  Usher  of  the  aforesaid  School 
"  that  his  Salary  may  be  augmented  for  Reasons  therein  offered" — 
was   read,  and  the  consideration    thereof  referred  over  to  May 

Meeting 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz*  "  Of  the  Request  of  a  number 
of  the  Inhabitants  to  consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done  to  vindi- 
cate the  Town  from  the  gross  misrepresentations  and  groundless 
charges  in  his  Excelleucys  Messages  to  both  Houses,  respecting 
the  Proceedings  of  the  Town  at  their  last  Meeting  "  —  was  read  — 
whereupon 

Voted,  that  M'.  Samuel  Adams 
D^  Joseph  Warren 
D"'.  Benjamin  Church 
Joseph  Greanleaff  Esq. 
Samuel  Swift.  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Article  into  Consideration,  and  Report 

at  the  Adjournment 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 

James  Otis  Esq. 

D"".  Thomas  Young,  see  above 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  119 

A  proposal  of  M"".  William  Whitwell  and  others  was  introduced 
and  read,  and  considerable  debate  had  thereon,  but  as  it  was  not 
inserted  in  the  Warrant  for  this  Meeting,  no  Motion  was  made 

thereon  

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "  To  know  the  mind  [420.] 
Of  the  Inhabitants  whether  it  will  not  be  for  the  safety  &  preser- 
vation of  the  Town,  that  Pumps  be  fixed  at  the  Mill  Bridge  and 
Draw  Bridge,  or  some  other  places  to  be  used  in  times  of  Fire  " 
was  read  whereupon  Voted,  that 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

M^  William  Whitwell 
t  John  Barret  Esq. 

John  Tuder  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  of   this  matter,  and  Report  at   the 
Adjournment 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz*  —  "  To  consider  the  Request  of 
a  number  of  the  Inhabitants,  that  Sea  Street  may  be  thoroughly 
repaired,"  — was  read,  and  after  some  Debate  Voted,  that 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

M-".  William  Whitwell 

M''.  John  Sweetser 

M'.  Robert  Peirpoint 
be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Matter  into  consideration,  to  enquire 
what  the  Proprietors  on  that  Street  are  obliged  to  do  by  their 

Grants,  and  to  Report  as  soon  as  m;iy  be 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  Inhabitants  —  "  That  a  new  Street 
may  be  laid  out  from  the  end  of  Union  Street  across  Friend  Street, 
and  through  the  Lands  of  Cap'.  Andrews  and  others,  laid  waste 
by  the  late  Fire  so  as  to  strike  upon  Sudbury  Street "  was  read, 

whereupon 

Voted  that  Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 

M'.  Jonathan  Mason 

John  Tuder  Esq. 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 
[431.]                        M"".  Henderson  Inches 
be  a  Committee  to  take  the  same  into  consideration,  and  Report 
at  the  Adjournment 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "  To  consider  the  Request 
of  the  Fire- Wards,  that  a  number  of  Leather  Buckets  may  be  pro- 
vided for  each  Engine  "  was  read  &  considered  whereupon  Voted, 
that  the  Fire  Ward  be  and  they  hereb}-  are  desired  and  impowered 

to  provide  Six  Leather  Buckets  for  each  Fire  Engine 

The  Petition  of  M''.  Gowen  Brown  "  That  the  Clock  now  placed 
upon  the  Old  South  Church  Steeple  may  be  purchased  for  a  pub- 
lick  Clock  "  was  read,  whereupon  Voted  that 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

M^  Timothy  Newell 

M".  John  Sweetser 

M^  John  Pitts 

Thomas  Daws  Eliq. 


120  City  Document  No.  91. 

be  a  Committee  to  take  the  same  into  consideration  arid  Report  at 
ttie  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  23'^.  of 
March  Instant  9.  O'Clock  A :  M:  And  the  Meeting  was  accord- 
ingly Adjourned 

Tuesday  the  23'^.  of  March  9.  O'Clock  A:  M:  Town  Met  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment 

M^  Edward  Payne  chosen  a  "Warden  for  the  Year  ensuing,  hav- 
ing desired  to  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  office,  as  a  lameness 
occasioned  by  a  wound  received  on  the  [423.]  Fifth  of  March 
1770.  rendered  him  unable  to  discharge  this  Duty,  he  was  accord- 
ingly excused  by  the  Town 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Constable  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M^  William  Todd 
was  chosen  a  Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing 

M''.  James  Richardson  chosen  one  of  the  Fire-Wards  for  the 
Year  ensuing,  having  desired  to  be  excused  from  serving  in  that 
Office,  he  was  accordingly  excused 

M^  James  Richardson  Chairman  of  the  Committee  appointed  by 
the  Town  to  procure  Subscriptions  to  the  amount  of  the  first  cost 
of  the  Lamps  Voted  to  be  purchased  being  unable  to  attend  the 
Meeting  —  M''.  Edward  Payne  one  of  said  Committee  Reported  — 
"  That  altho'  they  were  not  able  to  make  a  full  Report  they  could 
notwithstanding  acquaint  the  Town,  that  they  had  proceeded  so 
far  in  the  business  enjoined  them,  as  now  to  give  it  as  their  opin- 
ion, that  they  should  be  able  to  obtain  the  Sum  wanted  for  the  pur- 
pose aforesaid  "  —  whereupon  it  was  Voted,  that  the  consideration 
of  the  Report  of  the  Committee  relative  to  the  Lamps  should  be 
referred  to  the  next  Day  11.  O'Clock.  A  :  M : 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  of  M^  Joseph 
Russell,  "That  the  Town  would  sell  him  a  small  peice  of  the 
Land  Adjoining  to  his  House  and  Laud  in  Queen  Street."  Re- 
ported as  their  oi)inion,  that  it  would  not  be  for  the  interest  of  the 
Town  to  dispose  of  said  Land  —  And  the  Question  being  put  — 
Whether  [4^3.]  Said  Report  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the 
Affermative 

The  Assessors  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  a  Committee  appointed 
to  consider  the  Petition  of  Cap'.  Robert  Jarvis  "That  his  tax  for 
the  Year  1760  may  be  abated  him  "  Reported  "  That  the  said  Rob- 
ert Jarvis  being  desired  to  give  his  attendance  was  informed  that 
on  his  application  to  the  Assessors  of  said  Town  there  had  been  a 
consideration  made  him.  which  he  said  he  never  knew  of,  otherwise 
he  sliould  not  have  applyed  to  the  Town,  and  according  he  paid 
the  aforesaid  tax  to  M^  Robert  Peirpoint  the  Collector."  —  which 
Report  was  accepted  by  the  Town 

M^  Samuel  Adams  acquainted  the  Moderator,  that  he  was  di- 
rected by  a  Committee  of  which  he  was  Chairman  to  make  a  Re- 
port ;  and  the  same  was  read  as  follows.  Viz'. 

"The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  proper  to  be 
done  to  vindicate  the  Town  from  the  gross  misrepresentations  and 


Boston   Town  Records,  1773.  121 

groundless  charges  iu  his  Excellencies  Messages  to  both  Houses 
of  the  General  Assembly  respecting  the  proceedings  of  the  Town 
at  their  last  Meeting  beg  leave  to  Report 

"  That  having  carefully  looked  over  the  several  speeches  of  the 
Governor  of  the  Province  to  the  Council  and  House  of  Representa- 
tives, in  the  last  Session  of-  the  General  Assembly,  they  find  that 
his  Excellency  has  plainly  msinuated ; 

First,  that  the  said  Meeting  of  the  Town  was  illegal  in  itself — 

"•  Secondly  that  the  points  therein  determined  were  [434.] 
Such  as  the  Law  gives  the  Inhabitants  of  Towns  in  their  Corpo- 
rate capasities  no  power  to  act  upon,  &  therefore  that  the  Proceed- 
ings of  said  Meeting  were  against  Law,  And, 

''  Thirdly  that  the  Iuh;ibitants  thus  Assembled  advanced  and  af- 
terwards, published  to  the  World  such  principles  as  have  a  direct 
tendency  to  alienate  the  Affections  of  the  People  from  their  Sover- 
eign. And  he  plainly  asserts  that  "  they  denied  in  the  most  express 
terms  the  supremicy  of  Parliament,  and  invited  every  other  Town 
and  District  in  the  Province  to  adopt  the  same  Principles  " 

"  We  have  therefore  thought  it  necessary  to  recur  to  the  meth- 
ods taken  for  calling  said  Meeting  And  we  find  that  three  Petitions 
were  preferred  to  the  Selectmen  signed  by  198  respectable  Inhab- 
itants making  mention  of  a  Report  that  then  prevailed  and  which 
since  appears  to  have  been  well  grounded,  that  Salaries  were 
allowed  to  be  paid  to  the  Justices  of  the  Superior  Court  of  the  Prov- 
ince by  Order  of  the  Crown ;  whereby  they  were  to  be  made  to- 
tally independent  of  the  General  Assembly  and  absolutely  depend- 
ent on  the  Crown :  And  setting  forth  their  apprehensions  that 
such  an  establishment  would  give  a  finishing  stroke  to  the  system 
of  tyranny  already  began,  and  compleat  the  ruin  of  the  liberties 
of  the  People.  And  therefore  earnestly  requesting  the  Select- 
men to  call  a  Meeting  that  this  matter  might  be  duly  considered  by 
the  Town,  and  such  measures  taken  as  the  necessity  and  impor- 
tance thereof  required.  Whereupon  the  Selectmen  issued  a  Warrant 
for  calling  a  Meeting  accordingly  :  And  which  was  [435.]  Strict- 
ly agreable  to  the  Laws  of  this  Province,  and  the  practice  of  this 
and  other  Towns  from  the  earliest  times 

"By  an  Act  of  this  Province  made  in  the  fourth  of  William  & 
Mary,  it  is  enacted  that,  "  when  and  so  often  as  there  shall  be  oc- 
casion of  a  Town  Meeting  of  any  business  of  publick  concern- 
ment to  the  Town  there  to  be  done,  the  Constable  or  Constables 
of  such  Town  by  order  of  the  Selectmen,  or  the  major  part  of 
them,  or  the  Town  Clerk  by  their  order,  in  each  respective  Town 
within  the  Province  shall  warn  a  Meeting  of  such  Towns."  And 
by  another  Act  made  in  the  2^.  George  I.  it  is  enacted,  "that 
when  and  so  often  as  ten  or  more  of  the  Freeholders,  shall  signify 
under  their  hands  to  the  Selectmen,  their  dt^sire  to  have  any  mat- 
ter or  thing  inserted  into  a  Warrant  for  calling  a  Town  Meeting, 
the  Selectmen  are  hereby  required  to  insert  the  Same  in  the  next 
Warrant  they  shall  issue  for  the  calling  a  Town  Meeting  " 

"But  were  there  no  such  laws  of  the  Province  or  should  our 
Enemies  pervert  these  and  other  laws  made  for  the  same  purpose, 
from  their  plain  and  obvious  intent  and  meaning,  still  there  is  the 


l2^  City  Document  No.  91. 

great  and  perpetual  law  of  self  preservation,  to  which  every  natural 
Person  or  Corporate  Body  hath  an  inherent  right  to  recur.  This 
being  the  law  of  the  Creator,  no  human  law  can  be  of  force  against 
it :  And  indeed  it  is  an  absurdity  to  suppose  that  any  such  law 
could  be  made  by  common  consent,  which  alone  gives  validity  to 
Human  laws.  If  then  the  ^'■matter  or  thing" — Viz',  the  fixing 
Salaries  to  the  Offices  of  the  Judges  of  the  Superior  Court  as 
aforesaid,  was  such  as  threatened  the  lives,  liberties  and  propertys 
of  the  People  which  we  have  the  authority  of  the  greatest  Assem- 
bly of  the  Province  to  affirm  ;  the  Inhabitants  of  this  or  any  other 
Town,  had  certainly  an  uncontrovertible  right  to  meet  together, 
either  in  the  manner  the  law  has  prescribed,  or  in  any  other  orderly 
manner.  Jointly  to  consult  the  necessary  means  of  their  own 
[4S6.]  Preservation  and  safety.  The  Petitioners  wisely  chose 
the  rule  of  the  Province  law  by  applying  to  the  Selectmen  for  a 
Meeting ;  and  they  as  it  was  their  duty  to  do,  followed  tlie  same 
rule  and  called  a  Meeting  accordingly.  We  are  therefore  not  a 
little  surprised,  that  his  Excellency  speaking  of  this  and  other 
principal  Towns,  should  descend  to  such  an  artful  use  of  words ; 
that  "a  '^  number  of  Inh<  lb  itants  hsLve  assembled  together,  and  hav- 
ing assumed  the  name  of  a  legal  Town  Meeting"  &c.  thereby  ap- 
pearing to  have  a  design  to  lead  an  inattentive  reader  to  believe, 
that  no  regard  was  had  to  the  laws  of  the  Province,  in  calling 
these  Meetings,  and  consequently  to  consider  them  as  illegal  & 
disorderly 

"  The  Inhabitants  being  met  and  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  the 
points  determined  his  Excellency  says  "  were  such  as  the  law 
gives  the  Inhabitants  of  Towns  in  their  Corporate  Capasity  no 
power  to  act  upon."  It  would  be  a  sufficient  Justification  of  the 
Town  to  say,  that  no  law  forbids  the  Inhabitants  of  Towns  in  their 
Corporate  capasities  to  determine  such  points  as  were  then  deter- 
mined. And  if  there  was  no  positive  legal  I'estraint  upon  their 
conduct  it  was  doing  them  an  essential  injury,  to  represent  it  to 
the  world  as  illegal.  Where  the  law  makes  no  special  provision 
for  the  common  safety,  the  People  have  a  right  to  consult  their 
own  preservation  ;  and  the  necessary  means  to  withstand  a  most 
dangerous  attack  of  Arbitrary  power.  At  such  a  time  it  is  but  a 
pitiful  objection  to  their  thus  doing,  that  the  Law  has  not  expressly 
given  them  a  power  to  act  upon  such  points.  This  is  the  very 
language  of  Tyranny :  And  when  such  objections  are  offered  to 
prevent  the  Peoples  Meeting  together  in  a  time  of  publick  danger, 
it  affords  of  itself  Just  grounds  of  Jealous}',  that  a  plan  is  laid  for 
their  Slavery 

[437.]  The  Town  entered  upon  an  enquiry  into  the  Grounds 
of  a  report,  in  which  the  common  safety  was  very  greatly  inter- 
ested. They  made  their  application  to  the  Governor,  a  Fellow 
Citizen  as  well  as  the  first  Majestrate  of  the  Province  :  But  they 
were  informed  by  his  Excellency  that  "  it  was  by  no  means  proper 
for  him  "  to  acquaint  them  whether  he  had  or  had  not  received  any 
advices  relating  to  the  publick  affairs  of  the  Govei'nment  of  the 
Province"  There  next  determination  was  to  Petition  the 
Governor,     that     the     General     Assembly    might     be     allowed 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1773.  123 

to  meet  at  the  time  to  which  it  then  stood  prorogued :  But  his 
Excellency  refused  to  grant  this  request  least  it  should  be  "  en- 
couraging the  Inhabitants  of  other  Towns  to  Assemble,"  to  con- 
sider of  the  necessity  or  expediency  of  a  Session  of  the  General 
Assembly."  Ilithertoo  the  Town  had  determined  upon  no  point 
but  only  that  of  petitioning  the  Governor :  And  will  his  Excel- 
lency or  any  one  else  affirm,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  or  any 
other  Town,  have  not  a  right  in  their  Corporate  capasity  to  peti- 
tion for  a  Session  of  the  General  Assembly,  merely  because  the 
law  of  this  Province,  that  authorizes  Towns  to  Assemble  does  not 
expressly  make  that  the  business  of  a  Town  Meeting. 

It  is  the  declaration  of  the  Bill  of  Rights  founded  in  reason 
that  it  is  the  right  of  the  Subject  to  Petition  the  King  :  And  it 
appears  in  his  Excellencys  answer,  that  tlie  Inhabitants  of  this 
Town  were  in  effect  denied  in  one  instance  at  least  the  right  of 
petitioning  his  Majestys  Representative.  Which  was  the  more 
grievous  to  them,  because  the  prayer  of  their  petition  was  nothing 
more,  than  that  the  General  Assembly  might  have  the  opportunity 
of  enquiring  of  the  Governor  into  the  grounds  of  the  report  of 
an  intoUerablc  grievance  which  his  Plxcelleuc}'  had  before  strongly 
intimated  to  them,  it  was  not  in  his  power  to  inform  tlieyn  of, 
"  consistent  with  fidelity  to  the  trust  which  his  Majesty  had  re- 
posed in  him  "  

[428.]  "  We  have  been  the  more  particular  in  reciting  the 
transactions  of  that  Meeting  thus  far,  in  order  that  the  propriety 
and  necessity  of  the  further  proceedi:  gs  of  the  same  Meeting  may 
appear  in  a  true  point  of  light 

'"•  His  Excellency  having  thus  frowned  upon  the  reasonable  Peti^ 
tions  of  the  Town  ;  and  they  having  the  strongest  apprehensions, 
that  in  addition  to  or  rather  in  consequence  of  other  Grievances 
not  redressed,  a  mortal  wound  would  very  soon  be  given  to  the 
Civil  Constitution  of  the  Province  and  having  no  assurance  of 
the  timely  interposition  of  the  General  Assembly,  to  whose  wisdom 
they  were  earnestly  solicitous  to  refer  the  whole  matter ;  the  Town 
thought  it  expedient  to  state  as  far  as  they  were  able  the  Rights 
of  the  Colonists,  and  of  this  Province,  to  enumerate  the  infringe- 
ments on  those  Rights,  and  in  a  Circular  Letter  to  each  of  the 
Towns  and  Districts  in  the  Province  to  submit  the  same  to  their 
consideration  :  That  the  Subject  might  be  weighed  as  its  impor- 
tance required,  and  the  collected  wisdom  of  the  whole  People  as 
far  as  possible  obtained.  At  the  same  time  not  "  caUing  upon" 
those  Towns  and  Districts,  "  to  adopt  their  prhiciples"  as  his  Ex- 
cellency in  one  of  his  Speeches  afferms  ;  but  onl3nnforming  them  that 
"  a  free  communication  of  their  sentiments  to  this  Town  of  our 
common  danger,  was  earnestly  solicited  and  would  be  gratefully 
received.  We  may  Justly  affirm  that  the  Town  had  a  right  at  that 
Meeting  to  communicate  their  sentiments  of  mattei's  which  so 
nearly  concerned  the  publick  liberty  and  consequently  their  own 
preservation.  They  were  matters  to  use  the  words  of  the  Province 
Law  of  "  publick  concernment"  to  this  and  every  other  Town, 
and  every  Individual  in  the  Province  :  Any  attempt  therefore  to 
obstruct  the  channel  of  publick  [439.]  Intelligence  in  this  way, 


124  City  Document  No.  91. 

argues  in  our  opinion  a  design  to  keep  the  People  in  ignorance  of 
their  danger,  that  they  may  be  the  more  easily  and  speedily  in- 
slaved  

It  is  notorious  to  all  the  World,  that  the  liberties  of  this  Conti- 
nent and  especially  of  this  Province  have  been  systimatically,  and 
successfully  invaded  from  step  to  step.  It  is  not  then  to  say 
the  least,  Justifiable  in  any  Towns  as  being  part  of  the  great  tvhole, 
when  the  last  effort  of  Tyranny  is  about  to  be  made,  to  spread 
the  earliest  notice  of  it  far  and  wide,  and  hold  up  the  iniquitous 
System  in  full  view.  It  is  a  great  satisfaction  to  us,  that  so 
many  of  the  respectable  Towns  in  the  Piovince,  and  we  may  add 
Gentlemen  of  figure  in  other  Colonies,  have  expressed  and  con- 
tinue to  express  themselves  much  pleased  with  the  measure : 
And  we  encourage  ourselves,  that  from  the  manifest  discovery  of 
an  union  of  sentiments,  in  this  Province,  which  has  been  one 
happy  fruit  of  it,  there  will  be  the  united  efforts  of  tJie  tvJiole  in 
all  constitutional  and  proper  methods  to  prevent  the  entire  ruin  of 
our  liberties 

"  His  Excellency  is  pleased  to  say  in  one  of  his  Speeches  that 
the  Town  have  "denied  in  the  most  express  terms  the  Supremicy 
of  Parliament" — It  is  fortunate  for  the  Town,  that  they  made 
choice  of  the  very  mode  of  expression  which  the  present  House 
of  Representatives  in  their  wisdom  made  use  of  in  settling  the 
matters  of  controversy  between  the  Governor  and  them'.  And 
after  what  they  have  advanced  upon  the  Subject,  it  appears  to  us 
impossible  to  be  shown  that  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  can 
exercise  the  "  power  of  legislation  for  the  Colonists  in  all  cases 
whatever,"  consistently  with  the  right  that  belongs  to  the  Colo- 
nists as  Men,  as  Christians  &  as  Subjects  ;  or  without  destroying 
the  foundation  of  their  own  Constitution  [430.]  If  the  assertion 
that  the  Parliament  hath  no  right  to  exercise  a  power  in  cases 
where  it  is  plain  they  have  no  right,  hath  a  direct  tendency  to 
alienate  the  affections  of  the  People  from  their  Sovereign,  be- 
cause he  is  a  constituent  part  of  that  Parliament  which  seems  to 
be  his  Excellencies  manner  of  reasoning,  it  follows  as  we  conceive 
that  there  must  never  be  a  complaint  of  any  assumption  of  power 
in  the  Parliament,  or  petition  for  repeal  of  any  law  made  repug- 
nant to  the  Constitution  least  it  should  tend  to  alienate  the  affec- 
tions of  the  People  from  their  Sovereign,  But  we  have  a  better 
opinion  of  our  fellow^  Subjects  then  to  concede  to  such  conclu- 
sions. "We  are  assured  they  can  clearly  see  that  a  mistake  in  prin- 
ciple may  be  consistent  with  integrity  of  heart ;  &  for  our  parts 
we  shall  ever  be  inclined  to  attribute  the  Grievances  of  various 
kinds  which  his  Majestys  American  Subjects  have  so  long  suf- 
fered, to  the  weakness  or  wicK'edness  of  his  Ministers  and  Ser- 
vants, and  not  to  any  disposition  in  him  to  injure  them.  And  we 
yet  perswade  ourselves  that  could  the  Petitions  of  his  much  ag- 
grieved Subjects  be  transmitted  to  his  Majesty,  through  the  hands 
of  an  honest  impartial  Minister,  we  should  not  fail  of  ample  Re- 
dress   

"  His  Excellencys  Argument  seems  to  us  to  be  rather  strained, 
when  he  is  attempting  to  shew  that  we  have  "  invited  every  other 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  125 

Town  and  District  to  adopt  our  Principles."  It  is  this  the  Town 
says  "if  it  should  be  the  general  voice  of  the  Province,  that  the 
Rights  as  stated  do  not  belong  to  them  (trusting  however  that  this 
cannot  be  the  case)  they  shall  lament  the  extinction  of  ardour  of 
Civil  &  Religeous  liberty.;  therefore  says  his  Excellency,  the  Town 
invited  to  adopt  their  principles  !  Could  it  possibly  be  supposed 
that  wlien  his  Excellency  had  declared  to  the  whole  Province,  that 
[431.]  We  had  invited  every  other  Town  and  District  in  this 
Province  to  adopt  the  same  principles,  he  intended  to  avail  him- 
self of  such  an  explanation  !  Mnch  the  same  w-ay  of  reasoning 
follows  —  Tho'  it  would  not  be  to  the  reputation  of  the  other 
Towns  if  it  should  h;ive  any  weight.)  That  because  their  conse- 
quent doings  were  similar  to  those  of  this  Town,  therefore  they 
understood  y*.  they  were  invited  to  a'iopt  the  same  principles,  and 
therefore  they  were  thus  invited  to  adopt  them. 

Upon  the  whole  there  can  be  no  room  to  doubt,  but  that  every 
Town  which  has  thought  it  expedient  to  Correspond  with  this  on 
the  occasion,  have  acted  their  o>on  Judgement  &  expressed  their 
oicn  sentiments  &  principles  :  It  is  an  unspeakable  satisfaction  to 
Uo,  that  their  sentiments  so  nearly  accord  with  ours  ;  and  it  adds 
a  dignity  to  our  proceedings,  that  when  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives were  called  upon  by  the  Governor  to  bear  their  testimony 
against  them,  as  of  a  "'  dangerous  nature  &  tendency  they  saw 
reason  to  declare  "  — that  they  had  not  discovered  that  the  Prin- 
ciples advanced  by  the  Town  of  Boston  were  unwarrantable  by 
the  Constitution 

The  foregoing  Report  was  accepted  by  the  Town  nemine  contra- 
dicente.  and  Ordered  to  be  Recorded  on  the  Towns  Book,  as  the 
sense  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 

Voted,  that  the  said  Report  be  printed  in  the  several  News 
Papers,  and  that  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  be  directed  to 
transmit  a  printed  Copy  thereof  to  such  Towns  and  Districts  as 
they  have  or  may  Correspond  with 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  of  a  number 
of  Inhabitants  "that  Hog  Alley  may  be  disposed  of  or  some  meth- 
od taken  to  carry  off  the  filth  and  waste  Water  which  greatly 
incommodes  the  Abutters  "  —  to  view  the  Premisses  and  to  exam- 
ine into  the  Title  of  the  Town  to  said  Alley  and  to  Report  [433.] 
At  the  Adjournment  —  gave  in  the  following  Report 

That  in  pursuance  of  their  trust  they  have  viewed  Hog  Alley, 
and  the  Land  Adjoining  and  near  the  same,  and  find  that  said 
Alley  now  is  and  many  years  past  has  been  a  great  Nusance  to 
the  Abutters  and  many  others  ;  the  Committee  also  find  that  it 
has  been  occasioned  by  the  alteration  of  the  old  natural  course 
of  the  Water  which  used  to  run  from  Beacon  Hill  down  to  the  Gate 
entering  into  the  Common  a  little  below  Sheriff  Greanleaff's 
Garden,  or  near  to  it,  and  that  from  thence  there  was  a  large 
Water  course  running  down  and  terminating  in  a  Pond  which 
bears  near  South  of  Frog  Pond. 

The  Committee  further  Report  that  on  the  22''.  of  September 
1701 .  the  Selectmen  were  impowored  to  affix  &  assign  Names  to  the 
several  Streets  And  Lanes  in  this  Town,  and  on  the  Spring  of  the 


126  CiTF  Document  No.  91. 

Year  1708.  having  taken  such  Account  Hog  Alley  is  mentioned 
among  the  rest  and  by  the  Town  Recorded  but  we  do  not  find  that 
Hog  Alley  was  ever  given  or  sold  to  the  Town  or  any  wise  claimed 
by  the  Town  or  as  a  Town  way  ;  for  in  the  Year  1702  there  was 
no  such  Alley,  and  one  Durant  then  sold  to  Thomas  Blin  (under 
whom  Mess".  Brimmers  Claim)  a  i/cU  of  Land  part  of  said 
Du rants  Pasture  lying  to  the  North  of  his  Message  called  the 
Lamb  and  bounds  his  Grant  Southerly  upon  his  own  Land  from 
Newbury  Street  to  the  Common  we  also  find  that  the  strip  of 
Land  called  Hog  Alley  was  left  out  of  said  Blins  own  Land  (as  we 
suppose  for  his  own  convenience)  and  that  that  Alley  way  was 
left  out  as  aforesaid  between  the  Years  1702  &  1708.  so  that  the 
Committee  are  further  of  opinion  that  the  only  proper  as  well  as 
the  cheapest  way  to  carry  the  Water  from  against  Winter  Street  to 
the  said  Gate  or  near  it,  is  to  continue  the  paved  Gutt.T  next  the 
Mall  opposite  to  Winter  Street  down  to  or  near  the  Gate  aforesaid, 
and  there  to  conduct  [433.]  The  Water  under  a  Stone  Bridge 
three  feet  wide  across  the  Mall  and  tliereby  the  Water  will  be 
carried  off  in  its  former  natural  course  into  the  Pond  aforesaid  the 
which  heretofore  being  obstructed,  has  occasioned  tlie  nusance 
aforesaid  and  also  has  very  much  hurt  and  injured  the  Towns 
Land  by  the  School  house,  which  has  rendred  the  Road  along  there 
frequently  almost  impossible  :  We  are  also  of  opinion  that  the  fee 
of  Hog  Alley  is  in  Mess".  Brimmers,  and  who  as  they  will  be 
accomodated  by  the  Removal  of  the  Fence  North  of  said  Alley  are 
willing  to  lay  as  much  Gravel  as  will  to  all  intents  prevent  any 
inconvenience  to  those  who  hold  under  Durant  or  any  of  the  Vicin- 
ity there  and  which  will  ever  preserve  the  Mall  lutire  and  prevent 

further  charge 

Benjamin  Kent  p.  Order, 

The  aforegoing  Report  having  been  read  and  debate  had  there- 
on, —  A  Motion  was  made  that  said  Report  be  recommitted,  which 
did  not  obtain,  —  the  Question  being  then  put  —  Whether  the 
Report  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

]\P.  John  Coply  chosen  a  Warden  for  the  Year  ensuing,  having 
acquainted  the  Town  that  he  was  about  leaving  the  Province  for 
some  time ;  and  desiring  to  be  excused  he  was  accordingly 
excused  

The  Town  brought  in    their  Votes  for  two  Wardens  and  upon 

sorting  them,  it  appeared  that 

Mess".  Joshua  Green     ------     (excused) 

Andrew  Black 
were  chose  Wardens  for  the  ensuing  Year     -     -     -     - 

see  Page 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be 
given  MT.  James  Richardson  for  his  good  services  as  a  Fire-Ward, 
several  Years  past 

[434.]  The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Fire  Ward  in 
the  room  of  M"".  James  Richardson,  who  had  resigned  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M^  John  Coffin 
was  chosen  a  Fire- Ward  for  the  ensuing  Year 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  127 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider,  "  Whether  it  will  not  be 
more  for  the  safety  and  preservation  of  the  Town,  that  Pumps  be 
fixed  at  the  Mill  Bridge  or  some  other  places  to  be  used  in  times  of 
Fire  "  now  Report • 

That  tliey  have  attended  that  service  and  are  unanimously  of 
opinion,  that  it  will  tend  greatly  for  the  pieservatiou  of  the 
Towns  &  safety  in  a  time  of  Fire  to  have  two  Pumps  fixed  at  the 
Mill  bridge,  one  on  each  side  and  two  at  the  Draw  bridge  in  the 
same  manner.  The  Committee  having  viewed  said  Bridges  &  the 
Mill  Creek  find  very  convenient  places  where  said  Pumps  may  be 
fixed,  without  any  inconvenience  to  the  Inhabitants,  or  to  Car- 
riages passing  over  said  Bridges  one  of  which  the  Committee  pro- 
pose shall  be  in  the  House  or  Shed  lately  erected  at  the  Mill 
Bridge  for  the  new  Engine  given  to  the  Town  by  the  Hon'''^.  John 
Hancock  Esq. 

The  Committee  have  also  procured  an  estimate  of  the  expence 
that  will  arise  if  the  Town  shall  think  proper  to  have  said  Pumps, 
and  it  will  be  about  Seven  Pounds  lawful  Money  for  each  Pump, 
tlie  whole  charges  of  the  Pump  maker.  Blacksmiths  and  Carpen- 
ters being  included  in  this  sum 

The  Committee  also  Report  that  they  Judge  it  necessary,  another 
Pump  about  midwa}'^  between  the  1.  Bridge  on  the  Southwest 
side  of  the  Creek  should  be  fixed,  as  there  are  a  great  number  of 
large  Wooden  [435.]  Houses  and  Buildings  in  that  Neighbour- 
hood, &  few  of  them  have  Wells  and  Pumps,  and  in  case  of  a 
Fire  thereabouts  tlie  chief  supply  of  Water  must  be  from  the  Creek, 
and  if  a  Pump  should  be  fixed  there,  it  would  prevent  great  dis- 
truction  in  a  time  of  Fire,  and  this  the  Committee  would  I'ecom- 
meud  provided  the  Inhabitants  and  Proprietors  of  Houses  who  are 
near  will  at  their  own  Expence  fill  up  and  keep  in  Repair  the 
Passage  Way  belonging  to  the  Town  that  leads  to  the  place  where 
this  Pump  is  proposed  to  be  fixed 

All  which  is  submitted  in  the  name  of  the  Committee 

E.   GOLDTHVTAIT. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  it  was 
Voted,  the  same  be  accepted,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  directed 
to  procure  Pumps  and  fix  them  at  the  Places  mentioned  in  the  Re- 
port as  soon  as  may  be 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  24.  In- 
stant 11.  O'clock  A:    M: 

Wednesday  March  24  inst  1 1  O'Clock  A.  M :     Met  according 

to  Adjournment 

M"".  Benjamin  Hammett 
was  chosen  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuins: 


The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  two  Wardens  and   upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M"^.  Samuel  Allen  Ottis 
Cap*.  John  PuUing 

were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing 

[436.]     A    Motion  made  and  seconded,  that  the  two   Votes 
passed  the  8.  of  March  Instant  so  far  as  they  respect  "  the  ways 


128  City  Document  No.  91. 

and  means  for  defreying  the  charge  of  keeping  and  supplying  the 
Lamps,"  the  Town  have  ordered  to  be  purchased  ;  also  the  ap- 
pointing a  Committee  to  "  make  application  to  the  General  Court 
for  a  Law  obliging  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  to  pay  a  certain 
yearly  Rate  for  every  Wheel  Carriage  they  own,  and  impowering 
the  Town  Treasurer  to  receive  of  every  Inholder  and  Retailer  of 
Spirituous  Liquors  and  Vendue  Masters  a  certain  Sum  when  they 
receive  their  Licenses  as  a  Friend  to  support  the  Expence  of  keep- 
ing and  supplying  three  hundred  Lamps  in  this  Town,"  be  recon- 
sidered, and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put —  Passed  in  the 
Affermative  — also 

Voted,  that  the  Expence  of  keeping  &  supplying   three  hundred 
Lamps  or  any  further  number  shall  be  defreyed  by  a  general  Tax 

on  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded.  Voted, 

The  Hon'"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

M"".  Ebenezer  Storer 

M''.  Henderson  Inches 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

M'.  Nathaniel  Appleton 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  of  some  proper  regulations  for  the  se- 
curity of  Lamps  that  are  to  be  placed  in  this  Town,  and  to  Report 
the  same  at  the  next  Meeting,  as  also  their  Opinion  relative  to  the 
fashion,  purchase  placing  and  lighting  said  Lamps,  and  every 
other  [437.]  Thing  they  may  think  necessary  to  be  done  upon  this 

matter see  Page 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that 

M^  James  Richardson 

M^  Edward  Payne 

M^  Daniel  Hubbard 

Deacon  Caleb  Davis 

M'.  Robert  Peiipoint 

M^  William  Bant 

M"".  Philip  Diimeresque 

M^  Henry  Hill 

M^  Peter  Johonnot 

M"".  John  Ballard 

Cap'.  William  Mackay 

Cap*.  John  Bradford 
A  Committee   appointed  the  8"'.  Instant  to  procure  Subscriptions 
of  the  Inhabitants  for  such  Sums  as  may  be  thought  necessary  to 
defrey  the  first  cost  of  the  Lamps,  Voted  by  the  Town,  be  desired 

to  Collect  the  Monys  subscribed  for  as  soon  as  possible 

Then  the  Meetins?  was  dissolved 


[438 .]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  publick 
Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  5. 
Day  of  May  1773 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev^.  M^  Samuel  Mather 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1773.  129 

The  Precept  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 
Sundry  Laws _...     read 


M'.  Timothy  Newell  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed  in  their 
Names  to  the  Inhabitants  Assembled  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of 
one  or  more  Persons  to  Represent  them  in  the  Great  and  General 
Court  or  Assembly  to  be  held  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston  upon 
Wednesday  the  26.  Day  of  May  Current,  and  in  order  thereto  to 
consider  and  ascertain  tlie  number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected  ; 
Accordingly  it  was  Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  Four  Repre- 
sentatives and  then  it  was  declared  by  tlie  Selectmen,  that  no  Votes 
will  be  received  but  such  as  are  unfolded  ;  and  that  they  propose 

the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  12.  O'Clock 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Representatives,  the 
Number  of  the  same  was  found  to  be  419,  and  upon  sorting  them 
it  appeared,  that  the  Four  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  Viz'. 
The  Hon'''^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.      -     -     -     -     418 

The  Hon'"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 417 

M''  Samuel  Adams 413 

William  Phillips  Esq. 416 

r4:39.]  The  choice  of  Representatives  being  over,  and  declared 
by  the  Selectmen,  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw  and 
bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  in  order  that 
Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  affairs  mentioned  in  the 
Warrant :  Accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew  and  brought  in 
their  Votes  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  Hon'''®. 
Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  was  chosen  ;  but  the  Town  being  soon  in- 
formed l)y  the  Constable  sent  to  M"".  Cushing,  that  he  was  gone 
out  of  Town,  they  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  another, 
Moderator  as  directed  by  the  Selectmen,  and  upon  sorting  them 
it  appeared  that  M"".  Samuel  Adams  Esq.  was  chosen 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'. —  "  Whether  the  Town  will 
give  Instructions  to  the  Representatives  that  may  be  chosen," 
was  read,  whereupon  Voted,  that  the  Town  will  give  Instructions 

to  their  Representatives  —  also  Voted,  that 

Dr.  Joseph  Warren 
D"^.  Benjamin  Church 
Joseph  Greanlcaff  Esq. 
M'.  Nathaniel  Appleton 

M"  William  Cooper 

be  a  Committee  to  prepare  Instructions  for  our  Representatives  in 
General  Assembly,  and  to  Report  if  they  are  able  at  5.  O'Clock  in 

the  Evening 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P:  M : 

3  O'Clock  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

[440.]  To  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston 
in  Town  Meeting  Assembled  May  5.  1773 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  their  annual  Meet- 
ing the  6*.  Day  of  Mav  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  Visit  the 
Publick  Schools  in  the  Town  and  to  Invite  such  Gentlemen  to  ac- 
company them  therein  as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  to  Report 
thereon  


130  City  Document  No.  91. 

We  the  Subscribors  accordingly  attended  that  service  on   the 
1"  Day  of  July  last,  and  the  following  Gentlemen  were  invited  to 

accompany  us  therein  —  Viz*. 

The  Hon"^  John  Irving  Esq. 

James  Bowdoin  Esq. 
"  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq. 

Harrison  Gray  Esq. 

James  Pilts  Esq. 
The  Representatives  of  the  Town 
The  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
The  Town  Treasurer 
The  Rev*^  Charles  Chauncey D:  D 

Mather  Byles D:  D 

Andrew  Eliot D:D 

Ebenezer  Pemberton  -     -     -     -     D:  D 

Samuel  Cooper  ------     D:  D 

Samuel  Mather 

John  Hunt 

John  Bacon 

John  Lothrop 

Simeon  Howard 
Searl 

Penuei  Bowen 

M'  William  Powell 

Maj'  Nathaniel  Barbour 
[4:41.]  M'".  Nathaniel  Appleton 

M"'.  John  Sweetser 

M^  Thomas  Brattle 

M"".  William  Dennie 

Byfield  Lyde  Esq. 

M"".  John  Amory 

Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 

M'.  Henderson  Inches 

M"".  Jonathan  Mason 

M''.  Ebenezer  Storer 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 

Cap'.  Martin  Gay 

Coll°.  John  Erving 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

M^  Joshua  Blanchard 

M"".  Thomas  Lever  it 

Maj^  Adino  Paddock 

Coll".  William  Coffin 

M''.  John  Joy 

Joseph  Scott  Esq. 

James  Otis  Esq. 

Joshua  Winslow  Esq.  from  Nova  Scotia 

Thomas  Boylston  Esq. 

Thomas  Alwin  Esq. 

M^  Tuttle  Hubbard 

-^fr   T     1         i  from  S".  Carolina 
M^  Ludson  ) 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  131 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

M'.  John  Mico  Wendell 

]\P.  Thomas  Amory 

M^  John  Greanleaff 

M^.  Nathaniel  Allen  of  Cape  Ann 

Edmund  Quincy  Esq. 

D"".  Joseph  Wai'ren 

M"^.  William  MoUineux 

M"".  Ebenezer  Hancock 

[443.]  And  found  the  South  Grammar  School  had  130  Schol- 
ars the  North  Grammar  School  59  Scholars  ;  the  South  Writing 
School  220  Scholars  ;  the  North  Writing  School  250  Scholars  ;  the 
Writing  School  in  Queen   Street  2C4  Scholars,  all  in  very  good 

order 

John  Scollay  1  g  a 

Timothy  Newell  [  I  § 
Thomas  Marshall  ,' |m 
Samuel  Austin        J  ^  o 

M'.  Elias  Parkman 

was  chosen  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  —  "  To  consider  whether  any 
further  directions  are  necessary  to  be  given  M"".  Treasurer  Jeffries, 
relative  to  the  Money  borrowed  of  the  Town  some  time  since  by 
the  Managers  of  the  Linen  Manufactory  Company  "  —  was  read 

and  after  debate  had  thereon  —  Motioned 

That  the  Selectmen  be  impowered  to  receive  of  the  Linen  Man- 
ufactory Company,  the  Money  now  in  the  hands  of  Ezekiel  Gold- 
thwait Esq.  Executor  of  the  late  Middlecott  Cook  Esq.  who  was 
Clerk  of  said  Company,  &  is  the  balance  remaining  due  ;  as  also 
all  the  Utensils  &  Articles  that  now  remains  in  the  hands  of  the 
Company  and  upon  this  being  done  to  give  them  a  discharge  — 
the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  passed  in  the  Negative 

It  was  then  moved  and  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  di- 
rected to  put  the  Compauys  Obligation  for  Moneys  lent  them  l)y 
the  Town,  in  Suit,  immediately,  as  twenty  Years  have  near  expired 
since  the  Note  was  given  —  also  Voted,  that 

M"".  Samuel  Adams 

William  Phillips  Esq. 
[443.]  M^  William  MolUneux 

M^  William  Greanleaff 

M^  Moses  Gill 
be  a  Committee  to  examine  the  Books  of  the  late  Manufactory 
Company  so  called,  they  consenting  thereto,  and  to  ascertain  the 
amount  of  Stock  in  their  hands  when  the  Company  discontinued 
the  Manufactory  ;  and  also  to  take  an  Account  of  the  Utensils  then 
in  their  possession,  and  the  value  of  the  same  and  to  Report  as 

soon  as  may  be 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  Instructions  for  the  Repre- 
eentatives,  Reported  the  following  Draught 

To  the  Hon**'^.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 

M"^.  Samuel  Adams 

Hon^'''.  John  Hancock  Esq. 


132  City  Document  No.  91. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

Representatives  for  the  Town  of  Boston 

Oentlemen 

By  the  renewed  Suffrages  of  your  Brethren  of  this 
Town,  you  are  once  more  called  upon  to  Represent  them  in  the 
General  Assembly :  The  unanimity  so  conspicuous  in  your  Elec- 
tion -at  this  important  Juncture  affords  the  strongest  Testimony  of 
the  confidence  the  People  repose  in  your  approved  Abilities,  and 
inflexible  Attachmtmt  to  their  Constitutional  Rights. 

Your  Constituents  have  behold  with  indignation  that  purposed 
neglect  and  insolent  contenjpt  with  which  the  Representative  Body 
of  this  People  have  been  regarded  by  Administration.  A  total 
inattention  to  the  privileges  of  the  Commons  in  America  has  dis- 
graced almost  every  transaction,  that  materially  effected  the  Colo- 
nies :  [444.]  Aclandestine,  capricious  and  distructivemode  of  Gov- 
ernment, couch'd  under  the  specious  umbrage  of  Instructions  from 
Majesty,  has  been  uniformly  adopted  and  wantonly  exorcised  for 
several  Years  past,  thereby'  rendering  the  Assemblys  of  Commons 
throughout  the  Colonies,  mere  Cyphers  in  the  Constitution :  For 
this  reason  Gentlt  m3n,  ive  were  almost  dii^couraged  from  renewing 
the  choice  of  Members,  as  ineffectual  for  the  several  purposes  for 
which  they  were  originally  ordain'd;  but  still  retaining  respect  to 
that  good  and  orderly  Government,  which  has  ever  distinguished 
this  Metropolis  ;  agreeable  to  the  Charter,  which  on  oicr  parts  re- 
mains inviolate,  we  once  more  recommend  the  important  concerns 
of  this  aggrieved  People,  to  your  vigilance,  wisdom  and  integrity  ; 
in  confidence  that  you  will  regard  with  Jealousy,  ymr  oioa  consti- 
tutional power  &  importance  of  which  the  honor  and  wellfare  of 
this  People,  should  render  you  extremely  tenacious  ;  that  you  will 
vigorously  oppose  any  incroachments  on  your  ancient  privileges 
and  never  will  betray  your  Constituents,  by  surrendering  those 
powers  of  framing  Laws  &  Taxes  for  the  People  to  any  Usurper 
under  Heaven 

Tlie  Constitutional  mode  by  which  Legislation  &  Taxation  are 
conducted  in  Great  Britain,  being  nothing  more  or  less  than  the 
exercise  of  the  power  of  the  People  by  their  Representatives : 
This  form  of  Goverment  is  extended  by  sacred  compact  to  the 
English  Dominions  in  America,  therefore  the  Privileges  and  Powers 
of  the  Commons  of  this  Colony  respecting  Legislation  and  Tax- 
ation are  to  all  intents  and  purpos-es,  as  full  express  and  uncon- 
troulable  vithin  the  Colony  as  those  usually  exercised  by  the  Com- 
mons of  Great  Britain  within  the  Ralni  and  cdike  subjected 
[445.]  To  the  Revision  of  the  King:  These  Powers  and  Privi- 
l('o-es  were  secured  to  our  Ancestors,  by  solem  Covenant  between 
them,  and  the  King  of  England,  and  perpetuated  by  their  Charter 
to  their  latest  Posterity  :  From  the  free  and  full  enjoyment  of 
these  original  Rights  of  English  Subjects,  we  are  determined  never 
to  recede;  and  altho'  they  have  been  repeatedly  and  daringly  in- 
vaded, the  hand  of  Oppression  shall  never  induce  us  to  relinquish 
our  title  to  freedom  :  We  still  perceive  with  indignation  that  the 
Governmental  powers  of  Legislation  &  Taxation  by  Arbitrary  claim 
are  assumed,  and  vigorously  exercised  by  those  who  by  their  local 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  133 

situation  can  have  no  adequate  knowledge  of  our  circumstances, 
no  kindred  feelings  in  our  distresses,  and  when  swayed  by  a  cor- 
rupt influence,  may  impoverish  weaken  and  inslave  us  

To  the  numberless  grievances  flowing  from  this  iniquitous 
source,  which  we  have  already  frequently  and  fruitlessly  complained 
of,  we  may  Justly  add  a  stipendary  Soldierly  stationed  and  con- 
tinued in  the  chief  Fortress  in  the  Metropolis  of  this  Colonie  by 
the  inexorable  Enemies  to  our  free  Constitution  :  Standing  Armies 
have  forever  made  Shipwreck  of  Free  States  and  no  People  Jealous 
of  their  liberties  ever  patiently  suffered  Mei'cenary  Troops  to 
be  quarter'd  &  maintained  within  their  Populous  Cities  ;  the  Mili- 
tia of  the  Colony  are  its  natural  and  best  defence  ;  and  it  is  an  ap- 
proved maxim  in  all  well  policed  States,  that  the  Sword  should 
never  be  intrusted  but  to  those  who  combat  pro  aris  et  facts;  and 
whose  interest  it  is  to  preserve  the  publick  peace.  We  cannot 
therefore  but  resent  those  Standing  Troops  within  our  Capital 
Cities,  as  the  appointed  Executioners  of  Tyranny,  and  prepared 
Instruments  to  massacre  the  defenceless  Citizens,  at  ihe  nod  of 
any  Master  who  [4:46.]  May  have  Authority  to  appoint  or  dis- 
charge, reward  or  punish  them 

Thus  armed  with  .Brutal  force  the  Enemies  of  our  freedom  perse- 
vere with  alacrity,  to  compleat  their  infernal  plan  of  enslaving 
America ;  the  above  atrocious  violations  of  Riglit,  Justice  and 
the  Constitution  are  succeeded  by  the  pensioning  our  Governor 
the  Justices  of  the  Superior  Court  &".  which  in  effect  is  bribing 
them  on  the  side  of  Despotism:  Those  who  by  their  several  Offices 
should  be  the  Asylum  of  publick  security  &  liberty,  are  no  longer 
the  objects  of  confidence  and  regard  with  the  People  :  we  cannot 
but  esteem  them  as  sul)ordinate  Tyrants  intrusted  with  a  Rod  to 
scourge  us,  and  suppress  that  spirit  of  freedom  which  is  the  glo- 
rious characteristic  of  America.  While  tliey  are  thus  purchased 
with  ample  Salaries  extorted  from  the  Colonies  by  Great  Britain, 
we  must  be  Jealous  of  a  corrupt  influence,  when  ever  an  Arbitrary 
measure  of  Goverment  is  to  be  carried,  or  a  Claim  of  Right  sub- 
jected to  the  Division  of  our  Courts  of  Justice 

We  shall  not  recapitulate  the  black  Catalogue  of  abuses  which 
the  Colonies  have  been  subjected  to  for  sevei'al  years  past ;  that 
we  have  suffered  th3m  so  long  is  disgraceful  to  us :  But  we 
cannot  pass  over  in  silence  the  late  extraordinary  and  formidable 
innovation  in  constituting  an  Arbitrary  Court  of  Inquisition, 
which  has  lately  assumed  Jurisdiction  within  our  Sister  Colony  of 
Rhode  Island,  in  direct  violation  of  all  law  and  Justice  ;  who  ar- 
rogate the  enormous  power  to  transport  supposed  Ofienders  to  a 
remote  Kingdom,  to  be  capitally  arraigned  for  offences  committed 
within  that  Colony.  Agreable  to  the  [447.]  Constitution  of  the 
Colonies,  said  Court  in  the  exercise  of  such  extravagant  powers, 
are  to  be  held  in  the  same  contempt  and  detestation,  with  a  Ban- 
ditti of  Slave  Makers  on  the  Coast  of  Affrica.  We  therefore 
expect  you  make  due  enquir}^  into  a  Measure  so  truly  alarming  & 
protest  against  every  exertion  of  lawless  power,  which  threatens 
the  ruin  of  the  Colonies 

Harrassed  and  provoked  by  such  repeated  abuses  of  power,  we 


134  City  Document  No.  91. 

esteem  it  our  indispensible  duty  to  demand  redress  ;  to  your  Wis- 
dom and  your  fortitude  we  commit  ourselves  not  doubting  you 
will  readily  pursue  such  measures  as  have  a  tendency  to  relieve  us 
in  the  most  easy  and  effectual  manner  ;  for  this  purpose  we  recom- 
mend to  your  most  serious  consideration  whether  an  application  to 
the  English  Colonies  on  this  Continent  correspondent  to  the  plan 
proposed  by  our  nohle  patriotick  Sister  Colony  of  Virginia  (which 
in  our  opinion  is  a  wise  and  salutary  proposal)  will  not  secure 
our  threatned  liberties,  and  restore  that  mutual  harmony  and  con- 
fidence between  the  British  Nation  &  the  English  Colonies,  so  im- 
portant to  both  especially  the /ormer,  which  if  rescinded  from  her 
Connections  with  this  Contineht,  must  naturally  fall  a  prey  to  her 
numerous  &  Jealous  Neighbours.  We  have  likewise  the  most  san- 
guine expectations  that  a  Union  of  Councils  and  Conduct  among 
the  Colonies  will  assuredly  by  the  smiles  of  Heaven  fix  our  Rights 
on  such  a  solid  basis,  as  may  intimidate  our  implacable  Enemies 
from  any  further  attempts  to  invade  them 

The  aforegoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  &  the 
Question  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  &  [448.] 
Be  the  Instiuctions  to  our  Representatives —  It  was  Voted,  unani- 
mously that  said  Report  be  accepted,  and  printed  in  the  several 
News  Papers 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  Inhabitants  "That  Kilby  Street 
leading  out  of  King  Street,  may  be  paved  "  —  was  read  and  con- 
sidered, and  the  Question  put  Whether  the  Town  will  pay  One 
third  part  of  the  Charges  whenever  the  Abutters  are  ready  to  pay 
the  other  two  third  part  of  the  expence  of  paving  said  Street  — 
Passed  in  the  Affermative 

The  Petition  of  a  Number  of  Inhabitants,  "  that  some  proper 
methods  may  be  devised  and  executed  for  paving,  or  otherwise 
effectually  raising  &,  repairing  South  Street,  was  read  and  consid- 
ered, whereupon  Voted,  that  said  Petition  be  dismiss'd 

The  Petition  of  John  Erving  Esq.  &,  others,  "  That  the  Street 
known  by  the  Name  of  Pleasant  Street  may  bo  accepted  of,  and 
Recorded  as  a  Town  Street,  the  present  Abutters  consenting 
thereto,  "was  read  and  considered  —  And  the  Question  put  — 
Whether  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  shall  be  granted,  and  said 
Street  accepted  as  a  Town  Street,  and  Recorded  by  the  Name  of 
Pleasant  Street  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

The  Petition  of  M^  Samuel  Ilolbrook  Writing  Master  of  the 
South  School,  which  was  referred  over  to  this  Meeting  for  con- 
sideration was  read  ;  and  after  some  debate  it  was  Voted,  that 
the  same  shall  be  considered  at  the  Adjournment 

[449.]  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Tuesday 
next  3.  O'clock  P:  M:  and  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  Ad- 
journed   

Tuesday  May  11  3.  O'Clock  P:M:  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment  

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Accompts  of  M'. 
David  Jeffries  Town  Treasurer,  have  attended  that  service  and 
find  the  same  right  cast,  and  well  vouched  in  which  he  Charges 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  135 

himself  with  sundry  Fines  Rents  and  other  Incomes  of  the  Town  ; 
as  also  with  the  Tax  of  £6500  —  all  of  which  amounts  to  the  sum 

of  13299  ,,  5  ,,  0|^  including  the  balance  of  Old  Accompt 

And  tbe  said  Treasurer  discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abate- 
ments made  the  Collectors  amounting  to  £1045  ,,  13  ,,  7  ,,  by 
Drafts  made  by  the  Selectmen  amounting  to  2952  ,,  5  ,,  1^  of 
which  he  has  paid  £2759  ,,  12  ,,  8J —  And  by  Drafts  made  by  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  which  contain  the  Charges  of  the  Alms- 
house, amounting  to  £3355  ,,  5  ,,11.  of  which  he  has  paid 
£26^  ,,  8  ,,  1.  Also  by  sundry  Sums  paid  for  Inierest  amounting 

to  £444  ,,  9  ,,  2,  the  whole  amounting  to  £7797  ,,  13  ,,  9^ 

The  said  Committee  have  inspected  said  Drafts  in  a  very  par- 
ticular manner,  and  have  examined  the  Vouchers  produced  by  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  amount  of  their  Drafts,  in  a  very 
particular  manner  and  every  other  branch  of  Public  charge 
amounting  in  all  as  above  to  Seven  thousand  &  seven  hundred 
&  ninety  seven  Pounds  thirteen  Shillings,  and  nine  Pence  half 
Penny  [450.]  As  by  Account  of  Town  Treasury  in  Town  Treas- 
urers Books  ;  Balance  whereof  being  £5501   ,,  11  ,,  3.  is  carried 

to  the  Credit  of  New 'Accompt 

Which  Report  and  Accompt  being  read.  Voted,  that  the  same 

be  and  hereby  is  accepted 

A  Motion  was  made  to  refer  the  Grant  of  Moneys  for  Town 
Charges  to  an  Adjournment,  and  that  Notifications  be  issued  for 
that    purpose  —  And   the   Question    being    put  —  Passed    in  the 

Negative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Seven  Thousand  Pounds  be  raised  by  a 
Tax  upon  Polls  and  Estates  within  this  Town  for  Relief  of  the 
Poor,  and  defreying  other  necessary  Charges  arising  within  the 

Town  the  ensuing  Year 

Committee  relative  to  Manufactory  Company  having  Reported  ; 
a  Motion  was  made  that  the  Report  be  accepted,  and  that  the 
remaining  part  of  the  Committee  of  tliat  Company  doing  and  com- 
plying with  what  is  expressed  in  the  Committees  Report,  shall  be 
discharged  by  the  Town  from  any  demand  the  Town  have  upon 
them  ;  but  this  Motion  being  withdrawn  it  was  then  moved  and 

Voted,  that  the  further  Consideration  of  this  affair  be  referred 
over  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting ;  if  there  should  be  an 
Adjournment ;  otherwise  to  the  next  Town  Meeting  ;  and  that  the 
Committee  be  desired  to  make  further  enquiry,  and  Report  as 
soon  as  may  be  — — 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  of  some  [451.]  Proper 
Regulations  for  the  security  of  the  Lamps  that  are  to  be  Erected 
in  this  Town,  as  also  their  Opinion  of  the  fashion  &".  beg  leave  to 
Report  and  recommend  to  the  Town  —  That  a  Committee  be 
appointed  to  apply  to  the  General  Court  as  soon  as  may  be  for  an 
Act  impowering  the  Town  to  Erect,  support  and  defend  the 
Lamps,  and  to  make  such  regulations  as  they  shall  think  proper 

for  the  same 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  white  Globe  Lamps  will 
answer  better  that  Square  ones,  being  cheaper  in  the  first  cost, 
yeilding  a  better  light,  and  less  liable  to  be  out  of  order 


136  City  Document  No.  91. 

As  there  is  no  doubt  the  General  Conrt  will  readily  comply,  with 
our  reasonable  request  in  making  such  Laws  as  shall  be  necessary, 
therefore  recommend  that  the  Committee  appointed  to  Collect  the 
Money  subscribed  by  the  InhabiLants  be  desired  to  compleat  the 
same  as  soon  as  may  be  &  deposite  the  same  in  the  Town  Treas- 
ury, ready  for  the  order  of  the  Committee,  that  may  be  appointed 
to  purchase  tlie  Lamps  and  Erect  them.  If  the  Mone}'  should  be 
Collected  soon  its  supposed  the  Lamps  may  be  light  next  Fall 

As  the  proper  placing  the  Lamps  is  of  great  importance  for  the 
convenience  and  elegance  of  the  Town,  it  is  recommended  that  two 
Persons  dwelling  in  each  Ward  be  chosen  to  attend  the  Committee 
when  about  to  fix  upon  the  place  of  such  Lamp  —  All  which  is 
submitted  by  order  of  the  Committee 

John  Rowe  Chairman 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered,  the  Ques- 
tion was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in 
the  Affermative 

It  was  then  Voted,  that  The  Representatives  of  the  Town  be  a 
Committee  to  apply  to  the  Ge-neral  Court  as  soon  as  may  be  for 
an  Act  impowering  the  Town  to  Erect  support  &  defend  the 
Lamps  agreed  upon,  &  for  such  other  Regulations  as  they  may 
think  proper  —  Also 

[453.]    Voted,  that  the  following  Persons     -     -     Viz' 

Wards 

M''.  Edward  Payne  -  -  -  -  Deacon  Jonathan  Brown  -  -  1 
Newman  Grenough  Esq.     -     -     Cap'.  Fortesque  Vernon  -     -       2 

M''.  John  Leach John  Tudor  Esq.    -     -     -     -       3 

M^  Paul  Reveire Cap'.  Edward  Procter      -     -       4 

Ezekiel  Goklth wait  Esq.  -  -  JVP.  Thomas  Hutchinson  Jr.  -  5 
John  Barret  Esq.  .  -  -  -  Cap'.  John  Bradford-  -  -  6 
Cap'.  John  Homer  -  -  -  -  Cup'.  Job  Prince  -  -  -  -  7 
Joseph  Jackson  Esq.      -     -     -     William  Cooper      -     -     -     -       8 

Daniel  Hubbard  Esq.    -     -     -     JohnAmory 9 

M-".  Daniel  Waldo     -     -     -     -     Maf.  Adi  no  Paddock  -     -     -     10 

Deacon  Beuj.  Church    -     -     -     J\P.  John  Sweetser-     -     -     -     11 

Deacon  Caleb  Davis  -     -     -     -     M'.  Thomas  Amory     -     -     -     12 

Be  appointed  and  desired  to  attend  the  Committee  on  Lamps 

when  about  to  fix  upon  the  Places  for  Erecting  said  Lamps 

It  was  further  Voted,  that  John  Rowe  P]sq  and  others  the  Com- 
mittee on  Lamps  who  have  made  the  foregoing  Report  be  desired 
to  purchase    the  number  of  Lamps  Voted  Ijy  the   Town,  and  to 

Erect  them  in  suitable  Places 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  Voted,  that 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

Thomas  Gray  Esq. 

be  added  to  the  Committee  for  purchasing  Lamps  &" —  also 

Voted,  that  Ezekial  Goldthwait  Esq. 

John  Adams  Esq. 

Samuel  Quincy  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  make  draught  of  a  Bill  for  regulating  Lamps 
&".  which  draft  they  are  desired  to  hand  into  the  Representatives 
of  this  Town  as  soon  as  possible 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  137 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  [453.]  Of 
a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  "  that  Sea  Street  may  be  thoroughly 
repaired,"  Report —  That  they  have  attended  that  service  and 
upon  searching  the  Records,  find  that  on  the  31.  of  October  1683 

—  the  Town  laid  out  the  Street  within  mentioned  of  fifty  feet  in 
wedth,  and  ut  the  same  time  granted,  all  the  Flatts  and  Lands  be- 
low said  High  Way  into  the  Sea,  unto  the  Proprietors  of  the  Lauds, 
who  were  Abutters  on  said  Way  in  an  equal  proportion  to  their 
several  fronts  on  said  Ways  ;  always  provided  that  said  Proprie- 
tors &  Abutters  maintain  in  good  Repair  the  said  Way  at  their 
proper  cast  and  charge  —  The  Committee  also  find  that  on  21.  of 
May  1736.  on  the  Petition  of  the  Proprietors  and  Inhabitants  of 
Laud  in  said  Sea  Street,  the  Town  then  reduced  the  wedth  of  said 
Street  from  fifty  feet  as  it  was  originally  laid  out,  to  thirty 
five  Feet  the  present  wedth  thereof,  but  upon  this  Condition  that 
the  same  Street  be  kept  and  maintained  in  good  Repair,  open  free 
and  unincumbred  at  the  proper  cost  and  charge  of  the  Proprie- 
tors and  Abutters  on  said  Street  for  the  use  of  the  Town  forever 

—  By  this  reduction  of  the  wedth  of  the  Street,  the  Proprietors  of 
the  Lands  there  had  a  great  addition  made  to  the  value  of  their 
Estates,  and  are  therefore  under  a  double  obligation  (as  the  Com- 
mittee apprehend)  to  keep  and  maintain  the  same  in  good  Repair 
at  their  own  cost  and  charge,  and  upon  their  default  herein.  All 
the  Lands  and  Flatts  below  said  Street  of  thirty  five  Feet  in  wedth, 
must  revert  to  the  Town  and  as  some  parts  of  it  are  much  out  of 
repair,  the  Town  will  take  such  steps  thereupon  as  may  be  Judged 
necessary 

In  the  Name  of  the  Committee 

EZEKIAL  GOLDTHWAIT 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  and  debate  had  tliereon, 
the  Question  was  put —  "  Whether  the  Town  will  accept  of  said 
Report  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

[454,]  A  Motion  made  that  the  Selectmen  be  directed  to  ap- 
ply to  proper  Persons  for  the  Repairs  of  Sea  Street  which  are  now 
in  such  a  condition  as  to  be  liable  to  a  presentment,  and  that  they 
dispose  of  so  much  of  the  forfeited  Flatts  &c.  as  shall  be  sufficient 
to  defrc}'  the  charge  of  Repairs  &''.  —  but  the  Question  not  being 
put  It  was  Voted,  that  the  further  consideration  of  the  methods  to 
be  taken  with  the  delinquent  Abutters  for  the  putting  said  Street 
in  good  Repair  be  referred  to  the  Adjournment 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Fryday  the  14.  In- 
stant 3.  O'clock  P:  M:  And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  Ad- 
journed — — 

Friday  14.  of  May  3.  O'Clock  P :  M  :  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment   

M'.  Samuel  Adams  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  having  ae- 
quaintf^d  the  Town  in  writing,  that  he  was  prevented  by  indispo- 
sition of  Body  from  attending  his  duty  at  the  Meeting,  the  Town 
proceeded  to  the  choice  of  another  Moderator,  and  the  Votes  being 
brought  in  and  sorted,  it  appeared,  that  William  Phillips  Esq.  was 
chosen  


138  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  to 
act  upon  the  List  of  Jurors 

The  Committee  appointed  "to  view  the  Neck  and  consider  of 
the  best  method  to  secure  the  same,  as  also  of  the  Sum  which  will 
be  necessary  for  this  purpose  "  —  Report 

[455 .]  That  having  viewed  the  Premisses,  and  considered  what 
Repairs  are  necessary,  and  what  would  be  the  cost  thereof,  Your 
Committee  are  of  Opinion,  that  to  repair  the  breach  made  on  the 
East  side  of  the  Neck  in  a  proper  &  effectual  manner,  would  oc- 
casion a  very  great  Expence,  while  the  advantages  arising  from  it 
will  be  but  triffling  ;  and  altliough  it  continues  in  its  present  state, 
it  is,  probable  that  very  little  of  the  Land  will  be  diminished  ;  As 
to  the  damage  which  may  be  done  to  the  payment,  by  any  extraoi'- 
dinary  high  Tides  a  Triffling  Expence  may  from  time  to  time  repair 
the  same,  untill  the  Circumstances  of  the  Town  will  better  allow  of, 
a  thorough  Repair  to  the  Dam  &". 

With  respect  to  the  West  side  of  the  Neck  we  think  it  necessary 
in  order  to  prevent  the  Land  from  being  washed  away  and  the 
Pavement  greatly  injured,  thatthjre  be  a  Stone  Wall  laid  to  extend 
about  40  or  50  Rod  from  the  Stone  Wall  now  at  the  West  side  close 
along  by  the  Towns  Lands  which  will  be  a  sufficient  security  to  the 
Land  and  pavement  on  that  side  the  Neck,  the  Expence  whereof 
may  be  about  One  hundred  Pounds  lawful  Money,  — In  behalf  of 

the  Committee 

John  Scollay  Chairman 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read,  and  debate  had  thereon, 
the  Question  was  put — • ''  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  — 
Passed  in  the  Negative 

It  was  then  moved  and  seconded,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired 
to  make  such  Repairs  for  the  security  of  that  part  of  the  Neck 
proposed  in  said  Report  to  be  secured  as  to  them  may  appear  ab- 
solutely necessar}^  provided  the  Expence  does  not  exceed.  Fifty 
Pounds  lawful  Mony 

The  foregoing  Motion  was  withdrawn,  and  a  Motion  made  to  re- 
consider the  Vote  for  not  accepting  the  Report  of  [456.]  The 
Committee  on  Boston  Neck,  whereupon  it  was  Voted  that  the  same 
be  Re-considered,  and  that  the  Report  of  said  Committee  be  ac- 
cepted, and  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  desired  to  carry  said  Re- 
port into  execution 

The  Committee  appointed  "  to  examine  the  Books  of  the  late 
Linnen  Manufactory  Company  so  called,  they  consenting  thereto  ; 
and  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  Stock  in  their  hands,  when  the 
Company  discontinued  the  Manufactory,  and  also  to  take  an  ac- 
count of  the  Utensils  then  in  their  possession  and  the  value  of  the 
same" — Reported,  That  after  the  best  enquiry  they  have  been 
able  to  make  they  cannot  find  the  same  Companys  Books,  and 
therefore  cannot  ascertain  the  facts  as  directed  I)y  the  Town,  ex- 
cepting from  a  Memorandum  taken  from  the  Books  formerly  by 
M^  Edward  Payne  which  is  now  offered  to  the  Town 

The  Committee  beg  leave  to  inform  the  Town  that  there  are  in 
the  hands  and  at  the  disposal  of  the  Survivors  of  said  Company 
two  Stocking  Looms,  one  Cauldron,  and  some  Worsted  Combs  be- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.        139 

sides  other  Utensils  said  to  be  in  the  hands  of  M'".  John  Brown, 
valued  as  follows  Viz'. 

2  Stocking  Looms     -     -     -     -     -     -      £20  — 

a  Cauldron      ---------8  — 

Worsted  Combs  2  pair-     -----     2  — 

£30 

Balance  in  the  hands  of  ) 

the  Managers-     -     -      j  89  ,,  5  ,,  6^    . 

£119  „5  „  4 

Sundry  other  Articles  to  a  considerable  value  belonging  to  the 
Manufactory,  which  the  Managers  will  do  all  in  their  power  to  put 
the  Town  in  possession  of 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  [4 5 7. J 
The  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  — 
Passed  in  the  Affermative 

It  was  also  Voted,  That  upon  Andrew  Oliver,  Thomas  Hubbard 
&  Sylvester  Gardner  Esq",  the  only  surviving  Persons  that  signed 
the  Note  for  the  Sum  of  £1291  ,,  10  ,,  6  ,  oiher  Goverments  Money 
in  Bills  of  the  Old  Tenor,  lent  by  the  Town  the  10*.  of  May 
]  753  —  paying  the  Sum  of  Money  mentioned  in  the  Right  of  the 
late  Linnen  Manufactory  Company  in  &  to  all  the  Utensils  that 
still  remains  or  any  ways  belong  to  said  Persons  for  the  sole  use 
and  benefit  of  the  Town,  and  also  that  they  will  assist  the  Town 
in  procuring  said  Utensils  or  the  value  thereof  to  the  utmost  of 
their  power,  in  such  case  the  Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  upon 
receiving  said  Moneys  and  Assignments  to  deliver  to  them  the 
Note  aforesaid,  the  Town  accepting  the  same  as  a  full  discharge 
thereof 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  the  following  Resolve 
passed  —  Nem  Cont. 

Whereas  it  has  been  Reported  that  certain  Persons  Justly 
obnoxious  to  this  Town  and  Province  are  to  be  invited  to  Dine 
with  the  Governor  and  Council  on  the  ensuing  Anniversary  Elec- 
tion^ Day  in  this  Hail ;  Be  it  Resolved  and  an  Instruction  to  the 
Gentlemen  the  Selectmen,  that  if  a  Committee  of  his  Majestys 
Council  shall  apply  to  them  for  the  use  of  this  Hall,  to  dine 
in,  they  consent  upon  these  express  Conditions,  that  neither 
the  Commissioners  of  the  Customs  and  their  Attendants,  nor 
Officers  of  the  Army  &  Navy,  Stationed  here  for  the  purpose  of 
inforcing  unconstitutional  Acts  of  Parliament  by  Military  Execution, 
be  invited  —  it  being  utterly  against  the  inclination  of  the  Town, 
that  even  one  Person  who  has  rendered  himself  enemical  to  the 
Rights  of  [458.]  America  should  be  admitted  into  the  Hall  upon 
such  an  Occasion 

It  was  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  directed  to 
wait  upon  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Council,  and  leave 
with  him  a  Copy  of  said  Vote 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  that  M'.  William 
Mollineux  be  asked  by  the  Treasurer  for  the  Monys  due  from  him 
to  the  Town 

Voted,  that  the   Sum  of  One  Hundred   &  twenty  Pounds,  be 


140  City  Document  No.  91. 

allowed  and  paid  nnto  M''.  John  Level,  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  South  Grammar  School,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at 
the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  &  twenty  Pounds  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  M^  Samuel  Hunt  for  his  Salary  as  Master 
of  the  North  Grammar  School,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at 
the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  unto  M"".  John  Procter  for  his  Salary  as  M  ister  of  the  Writ- 
ing School  in  Queen  Street  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the 
expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hunrlred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  unto  M'.  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the 
"Writing  School  in  the  Common  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to 
be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  [459.]  become  due,  and  to 
commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarterr 

Voted,  that  tlie  Sura  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  unto  M'.  John  Tileston,  for  his  Salarj'  as  Master  of  the 
Writing  School  at  the  North  End  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same 
to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence 
at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  un*o 
M^  James  Lovel,  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  further  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  unto  M''.  James  Lovel,  as  an  encouragement  for  him  to  re- 
main and  exert  himself  in  the  service  of  the  Town  the  ensuing 
Year,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  Quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due, 
and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  unto 
M^  James  Carter  for  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the  Writing  School  in 
Queen  Street  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly 
as  it  shall  become  due  and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the 
last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  a  further  Sum  of  Twenty  five  Pounds  be  allowed 
and  paid  unto  M'.  James  Carter  above  his  Salary  as  Usher  of  the 
Writing  School  in  Queen  Street,  as  an  encouragement  for  him  to 
exert  himself  in  the  service  of  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  com- 
mence at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

[460.]  Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  to  sni'h  Person  as  the  Selectmen  shall  appoint  an  Assistant 
for  the  Master  of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  Year 
ensuing  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due, 
and  to  commence  at  the  expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Thirty  four  Pounds  be  allowed  and  paid 
unto  M"".  John  Tileston  Master  of  the  North  Writing  School,  for 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  141 

providing  an  Assistant  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  hitn 
quai'terly  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  Inst  Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  and 
paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  M'.  David  Jeffries  for  his  ser- 
vices as  Treasurer  of  the  Town  the  Year  past,  and  for  all  his 
Expences  in  that  office. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  and  he  hereby  is  directed 
and  iinpowered  to  allow  the  several  Schoolmasters  Interest  on  the 
Sums  due  to  them,  from  the  dates  of  their  Warrants  to  the  time 
of  payment 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded  Voted,  That  the  Assessors 
he  directed,  that  as  soon  as  they  receive  the  Warrant  from  the 
Province  and  County  Treasurers  they  set  about  and  compleat  tlie 
Tax  upon  t>he  Inhabitants 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be 
and  hereby  are  given  to  Major  Thomas  Daws  for  his  good  and 
faithful  services  as  a  Fire  Ward  for  several  Years  past 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  [461.]  Representatives 
of  the  Town  be  and  they  hereby  are  Instructed  to  move  the 
Hon'"'®,  the  House  of  Representatives  immediately  after  the  next 
General  Election  of  Councillors  that  the  Representatives  of  all 
the  Towns  in  this  Province  do  recommend  it  to  the  severa  ITowns 
which  they  Represent.  To  Assess  a  Sum  of  Money  upon  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  sufHcient  for  the  payment  of  their  propor- 
tion of  the  cost  and  charge  of  an  Agent  or  Agents  which  are  or 
may  be  imployed  in  the  service  of  the  Province 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Ordered  that  the  Vote  lately  passed  re- 
specting the  Commissioners  &".  be  printed  in  the  several  public 
News  Papers 

The  Petitions  of  M'.  Samuel  Holbrook  and  M""  Fenno,  were 
read,  and  after  debate  had  thereon,  it  was  Voted,  that  they  have 
leave  to  withdraw  said  Petitions 

Voted,  that  all  Matters  and  Tilings  which  remain  unfinished  at 
this  Meeting  be  referred  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting, 
to  be  then  considered  of  and  acted  upon 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town,  be  and 
hereby  are  given  to  M""  Samuel  Adams  and  William  Phillips  Esq. 
who  have  both  acted  as  Moderators  for  their  good  services  at  this 

Meeting 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved 

[462.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned  in  publick 
Tcwn  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Fryday  the  5*.  Day 
of  November  Anno  Domini  1773.  at  10  O'Clock  A :  M : 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  ------     read 

The  Town  were  directed  to  withdraw  and  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appear'd 
that  the  Hon"^'^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen 

The  Petition  of  a  large  number  of  the  Inhabitants  setting  forth  — 
"  That  they  are  Justly  alarmed  at  the  Report  that  the  East  India 


142  City  Document  No.  91. 

Company  in  London  are  about  shipping  a  Cargo  or  Cargos  of  Tea 
into  this  and  the  other  Colonies,  and  that  they  esteem  it  a  political 
plan  of  the  British  Administration  whereby  they  have  reason  to 
fear  not  only  that  the  trade  upon  which  they  depend  for  a  subsist- 
ence is  threatned  to  be  totally  destroyed  ;  but  what  is  much  more 
than  anything  in  life  to  be  dreaded,  the  Tribute  laid  upon  the  impor- 
tation of  that  Article  will  be  fixed  and  established,  and  our  liber- 
ties for  which  we  have  long  struggled,  will  be  lost  to  them  and 
their  Posterity  ;  and  therefore  praying  that  the  sence  of  the  matter 
may  be  taken,  and  such  steps  pursued  as  to  their  safety  and  well 
being  shall  appertain  "  was  read  and  debate  had  thereon 

A  number  of  printed  Hand  Bills,  called  "  The  Tradesmen^  Pro- 
test against  the  Proceedings  of  th".  Merchints  relative  to  the  new  Im- 
portations of  Tea''  [483.]  Having  been  seen  to  be  distributed  in 
the  Hall  a  Motion  was  made  that  one  of  said  Papers  be  read  to 
the  Inhabitants,  and  said  Hand  Bill  havins:  been  accordiuo-ly  read 
one  of  the  Inhabitants  openly  declared  that  he  saw  Charles  Pax- 
ton  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  Customs,  giving  them  away 
tlie  Day  before  in  Kings  Street  —  It  was  then  moved  that  the 
Tradesmen  present  might  collect  by  themselves  on  the  South  side 
of  the  Hall,  that  their  Sense  of  the  Paper  might  be  taken.— ^^ — 

Then  the  Question  was  put  to  those  Tradesmen  "  Whether  they 
acknowledge  the  said  paper  called,  '■'•The  Tradesmens  Protest" 
which  passed  in  the  Negative,  unanimously  —  there  being  in  the 
estimation  of  the  Town  at  least  four  hundred  Tradesmen  present 
in  the  Meeting 

A  Motion  was  then  made  and  the  Question  accordingly  put  to 
those  Tradesmen  —  Whether  they  do  now  detest  as  false  scanda- 
lous, and  bace  the  said  Paper  &  the  Person  known  to  have  distrib- 
uted it  —  Viz'.  Charles  Paxton  and  all  others  who  have  distributed 
the  same,  and  the  Printer  thereof.  Viz'.  E.  Russell — which 
passed  in  the  Affermative,  unanimously 

The  Town  entered  again  into  the  consideration  of  the  subject 
matter  of  the  Warrant,  and  debated  largely  on  the  nature  and  ten- 
dency of  the  Project  for  introducing  Tea  into  the  Colonies  to  be 
disposed  of  by  Commissioners  appointed  by  the  East  India  Com- 
pany   

It  was  then  moved  that  if  any  Gentlemen  in  Trade  present  or 
any  otlier  Inhabitant  had  anything  to  offer  shewing  that  the  intro- 
duction of  Tea  in  the  manner  projected  would  not  be  detrimental 
to  the  Interest  of  the  People  in  general  as  well  as  to  the  Mercan- 
tile &  Trading  part  of  the  Colonies ;  that  they  would  now  do  it, 
&  what  they  offered  should  be  treated  with  candor  [464,]  But 
no  one  Inhabitant  did  offer  anything  in  favor  of  said  Project 

After  due  deliberation  the  Town  came  into  the  following  Reso- 
lutions Neni  Cont — Viz'. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  an  Act  of  the  British  Parliament  passed 
in  the  last  Sessions,  that  the  East  India  Company  are  by  the  said 
Act  allowed  to  export  their  Teas  into  America,  in  such  Quantities 
as  the  Lord  of  the  Treasury  shall  Judge  proper :  And  some  People 
with  an  evil  intent  to  amuse  the  People,  and  others  thro' :  inatten- 
tion to  the  true  design  of  the  Act,  have  so  construed  the  same,  as 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1773.  143 

that  the  Tribute  of  three  Pence  on  every  Pound  of  Tea  is  not  to 
be  enacted  by  the  detestable  Task  Masters  there  —  Upon  the  due 
consideration  thereof,  liesoloed,  That  the  Sense  of  the  Town  can- 
not be  better  expressed  on  this  Occasion,  than  in  the  words  of  cer- 
tain Judicious  Resolves  lately  entered  into  by  our  worthy  Brethren 
the  Citizens  of  Philadelpliia  —  wherefore 

Resolved,  that  the  disposal  of  their  own  property  is  the  Inherent 
Right  of  Freemen  ;  that  there  can  be  no  property  in  that  which 
another  can  of  right  take  from  us  without  our  consent ;  that  the 
Claim  of  Parliament  to  tax  America,  is  in  other  words  a  claim  of 
Right  to  buy  Contributions  on  us  at  pleasure 

2^.  That  the  Duty  imposed  by  Parliament  upon  Tea  landed  in 
America,  is  a  tax  on  the  Americans,  or  levying  Contributions  on 
them  without  their  consent 

3*^.  That  the  express  purpose  for  which  the  Tax  is  levied  on  the 
Americans,  namely  for  the  support  of  Government,  the  Adminis- 
tration of  Justice,  and  ihe  defence  of  His  Majestys  Dominions  in 
America,  has  a  direct  tendency  to  render  Assemblies  useless,  and 
to  introduce  Arbitrary  Government  and  Slavery 

[465.]  4*.  That  a  virtuous  and  steady  opposition  to  the 
Ministerial  Plan  of  governing  America,  is  absolutely  necessary  to 
presei've  even  the  shadow  of  Liberty,  and  is  a  duty  which  every 
Freeman  in  America  owes  to  his  Country  to  himself  and  to  his 
Posterity 

5"\  That  the  Resolutions  lately  come  by  the  East  India  Com- 
pany, to  send  out  their  Teas  to  America  Subject  to  the  payment 
of  Duties  on  its  being  landed  here,  is  an  open  attempt  to  enforce 
the  Ministerial  Plan,  and  a  violent  attack  upon  the  Liberties  of 
America 

6*.  That  it  is  the  Duty  of  every  American  to  oppose  this  at- 
tempt   

7"^,  That  whoever  shall  directly  or  indirectly  countenance  this 
attempt,  or  in  any  wise  aid  or  abet  in  unloading  receiving  or  vend- 
ing the  Tea  sent  or  to  be  sent  out  by  the  East  India  Company 
while  it  remains  subject  to  the  payment  of  a  duty  here  is  an  Enemy 
to  America 

8'".  That  a  Committee  be  immediately  chosen  to  wait  on  those 
Gentlemen,  who  it  is  reported  are  appointed  by  the  East  India  Com- 
pany to  receive  and  sell  said  Tea,  and  to  request  them  from  a 
regard  to  their  own  characters  and  the  peace  and  good  order  of 
this  Town  and  Province  immediately  to  resign  their  appointment 
—  And  the  following  Gentlemen  —  Viz*. 
The  Moderator 
M""  Henderson  Inches 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 
M'.  Jonathan  Mason 
and  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  are  appointed  a  Committee  accord- 
ingly   

At  the  same  time  the  Town  passed  the  following  Resolve  — 
Viz*. 

[406.]  Whereas,  the  Merchants  of  this  Continent  did  enter  into 
an  Agreement  to  withhold  the  importation  of  Tea  untili   the   Duty 


144  City  Document  No.  91. 

laid  thereon  should  be  repealed ;  which  Agreement  as  we  are  in- 
formed has  been  punctually  observed  by  the  respectable  Mer- 
chants in  the  Southern  Colonies,  while  by  reason  of  the  peculiar 
circumstances  attending  the  trade  of  this  Place  some  quantities 
tho  very  small  in  proportion  to  what  had  been  usual  before  said 
Agreement  have  been  imported  by  some  of  the  Merchants  here  ; 
And  whereas  it  now  appears  probable  to  this  Town,  that  the 
British  Administration  have  taken  encouragement  even  from  such 
small  Importations,  to  grant  Licenses  to  the  East  India  Companv 
as  aforesaid  —  Therefore  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  determination  of 
this  Town,  by  all  means  in  their  power  to  prevent  the  Sales  of 
the  Tea  imported  by  the  East  India  Company  :  And  as  the  Mer- 
chants here  have  generally  opposed  the  Measure,  it  is  the  Just  ex- 
pectation of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  that  no  one  of  them 
will  on  any  pretence  whatever,  import  any  Tea  that  shall  be  liable 
to  pay  the  duty,  from  this  time  ;  and  untill  the  Act  imposing  the 

same  shall  be  repealed 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  'till  3  O'Clock  in  the 
Afternoon ■ 

3  O'clock.  P :  M  :  Town  met  according  to  adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  for  the  purpose  Reported  to  the 
Town —  That  they  had  waited  on  Richard  Clark  Esq.  and  Sons, 
and  Benjamin  Faneuil  Esq.  said  to  be  Factors  of  the  East  India 
Company,  and  communicated  to  them  the  Vote  of  the  Town 
whereby  they  were  requested  immediately  to  [467.]  Resign 
their  appointment.  And  the  said  Gentlemen  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that  as  Messieurs  Thomas  and  Elisha  Hutchinson  (who 
were  also  Reported  to  be  Factors  to  the  said  Company)  were  at 
Milton,  and  not  expected  in  Town  till  Saturday  Evening,  and  as 
they  chose  to  consult  them,  they  could  not  return  an  answer  lo  the 
Town,  till  Monday  Morning 

It  was  then  moved  and  Voted,  unanimously,  that 
M"'.  Samuel  Adams. 
M^  William  Mollineux 
D''  Joseph  Warren 
be  a  Committee  to  repair  unto  Mess".  Clark  Faneuil  &  Winslow 
tliose  of  the  Tea  Consignees  said  to  be  in  Town,  and  acquaint 
them  that  as  they  were  not  Joint  Factors  for  the  East  India  Com- 
pany with  the  Hutchinsons,  it  was  supposed  they  could  determine 
for  themselves,  and  therefore  it  was  the  expectation  of  the  Town, 
that  they  return  an  immediate  answer  to  the  Message 

The  Committee  appointed  to  repair  to  the  Tea  Consignees  in 
Town  —  Re()orted,  that  an  answer  might  be  expected  from  them 
in  half  an  hour  —  they  also  informed  that  M'.  Winslow  was  not 
in  Town 

A  Motion  was  then  mide  "  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
repair  to  Milton  and  acquaint  Mess"  Thomas  &  Elisha  Hutchinson, 
with  the  request  of  the  Town,  that  they  immediately  I'esign  their 
appointment  —  And  the  Hon**'®.  John  Hancock  Esq.  M'.  John  Pitts 
M'.  Samuel  Adams  D'.  Joseph  Warren,  M'.  William  Powell  &  M'. 
Nathaniel  Appleton,  were  appointed  a  Committee  for  that  pur- 
pose   


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  145 

M'.  Ezekiel  Russell  came  into  Town  Meeting,  &  asked  leave  to 
speak —  He  then  acquainted  the  Town  tliat  he  was  the  Printer  of 
the  Paper  called  the  Tradesmen's  Prutest  against  the  Merchants, 
&  that  he  was  paid  for  the  same  by  the  Person  who  [468.]  Em- 
ployed him,  —  this  Information  was  not  given  at  the  desire  of  the 
Town ;  it  being  their  sense,  that  as  a  Town  thej'  had  nothing  to  do 
with  the  Printer  or  Author  of  the  said  Paper 

A  Motion  was  made  that  M"'.  Barrett  who  attends  upon  the  Select- 
men might  be  directed  to  acquaint  Mess".  Clarke  and  Faneuil,  that 
the  Town  were  impatiently  waiting  for  an  answer  to  their  last 
Message  — — 

Before  M^  Barrett  could  proceed  a  Letter  was  brought  into  the 
Hall,  signed  by  Richard  Clark  &  Son,  &  Benjamin  Faneuil  for  him- 
self and  Joshua  Winslow,  and  directed  to  the  Moderator  to  be 
communicated  to  the  Town  —  Viz'. 

Boston  November  5.  1773 
Sir 

It  is  impossible  for  us  to  comply  with  the  request  of  the  Town, 
signified  to  us  this  Day  by  their  Committee,  as  we  know  not  what 
terms  the  Teas  if  any  part  of  it  should  be  sent  to  our  care,  will 
come  out  on,  and  what  obligations  either  of  a  moral  or  pecuniary 
nature  we  may  be  under  to  fuUfill  the  trust  that  may  be  devolved 
on  us.  When  we  ax'e  acquainted  with  these  Circumstances  we 
shall  be  better  qualified  to  give  a  definitive  answer  to  the  request 

of  the  Town 

"We  are 
Sir 

Your  most  humble  Serv* 

Richard  Clark  &  Sons 
Benjamin  Faneuil  Jun*.  for 
To  himself  &  Josh"^.  W^inslow  — 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
Moderator  of  a  Town  Meeting 

Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall 

This  Letter  was  read,  and  a  Motion  then  made  and  the  Question 
accordingly  put  —  "  Whether  the  same  be  satisfactory  to  the  Town 
—  Passed  in  the  Negative  Nemini  Contradicente 

[469.]  The  Meeting  was  then  Adjourned  "■  till  the  next  Day 
at  11.  O'clock  to  receive  the  Report  of  the  Commitee  appointed  to 
wait  on  Mess".  Ilutchinsons 

Satturday  11.  O'Clock  A  :  M  :  The  Town  met  by  Adjournment 
(the  Meeting  still  continuing  very  full) 

The  Committee  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  Mess".  Hutchinsons 
at  Milton  —  Reported  — That  they  had  enquired  the  last  Evening 
and  this  Morning  at  the  House  of  Elish  Hutchinson  Esq.  in  this 
Town,  and  were  informed  that  those  Gentlemen  were  at  Milton  ; 
the  Committee  proceeded  this  Morning  to  Milton  and  callifig  at  the 
Governors  Seat  were  informed  that  only  M"".  Elisha  Hutchinson 
lodged  there  the  last  Night,  who  had  set  out  early  this  Morning 
for  Boston  ;  on  their  return  they  called  at  his  House,  and  were  told 


146  City  Document  No.  91. 

that  he  had  been  at  home  this  Morning  but  had  again  set  off  for 
Milton  —  they  then  went  to  the  House  of  Thomas  Hutchinson  Esq. 
who  was  then  at  home,  where  they  read  and  delivered  to  him  an 
attested  Copy  of  the  Towns  Vote,  when  he  acquainted  the  Commit- 
tee, that  the  Town  might  expect  his  answer  in  one  quarter  of  an 

Hour 

The  following  Letter  was  soon  af ler  sent  into  the  Moderator, 
signed  Thomas  Hutchinson,  which  was  read,  viz'. 

Sir 

I  have  nothing  relative  to  the  Teas  referred  to  in  the  request  or 
Vote  of  the  Town,  except  that  one  of  my  Friends  has  signified  to 
me  by  Letter,  that  part  of  it  he  had  reason  to  believe  would  be 
Consigned  to  me  and  my  Brother  Jointly,  but  upon  what  terms  he 
could  not  then  say  — — 

Under  these  circumstances  I  can  give  no  other  answer  to  the 
Town,  at  present,  then  that  if  the  Teas  should  arrive  &  we  should 
be  appointed  Factors,  we  shall  then  be  sufflcienth'  informed  to 
answer  the  request  of  the  Town  —  I  am  for  my  Brother  &  self 

Sir    Your  humble  Servant 
Hon'''^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  T.  Hutchinson  Jun*. 

Moderator  of  a  Town  Meet^. 
now  Assembled  at  Fauueil  Hall  — ^ — 

[4:70.]  This  Letter  being  read  a  Motion  was  made  and  the 
Question  accordingly  put  —  ' '  Whether  the  same  be  satisfactory  to 
the  Town "  —  which  passed  in  the  Negative  Neminie  C'otUra- 
dicente 

A  Motion  was  then  made  that  the  Question  be  put  — 
"  Whether  it  is  not  the  Sense  of  the  Town,  that  the  Letter  signed 
Richard  Clark  &.  Son,  Benjamin  Faneuil  for  self  &  Joshua  Wins- 
low,  and  also  the  Letter  signed  Thomas  Hutchinson,  for  himself  & 
Brother,  which  had  been  both  read,  were  not  Daringly  Affrontice 
to  the  Town"  —  And  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  It 
passed  in  the  Affermative,  Nem.  Con. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  it  was  Voted,  That  the  Committee  of  Cor- 
respondence for  this  Town,  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  to 
transmit  the  Transactions  of  this  Meeting  to  every  Town  in  the 
Province 

A  Motion  was  then  made,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given 
to  the  Hon"^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
for  the  dispatch  he  has  given  to  the  Business  thereof  —  but  the 
Motion  was  objected  to  by  himself  and  M"".  Adams,  and  it  seemed 
to  be  the  sense  of  the  Town,  that  a  Vote  of  Thanks  should  be  only 
given  upon  very  special  and  signal  services  performed  for  the 
Publick 

The  Town  having  gone  through  the  Business  mentioned  in  the 
Notification,  it  was  moved  that  this  Meeting  be  immedi.'.tely  dis- 


[471.]     At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  publick 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  147 

Town  Meeting  Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  IS"*. 
Day  of  November  Anno  Domini  1774 


Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting   -     -     -   read 


The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw  and  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  a  Moderator,  of  this  Meeting,  &  the  same  being  brought 
in  and  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 

The  Hon'''''.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  the  Meeting  by  a  unanimous  Vote 

The  Petition  of  a  Number  of  Inhabitants  setting  forth  —  That 
whereas  at  the  late  Meeting  of  the  Town  their  Committee  applyed 
to  Mess"  :  Richard  Clarke  as  supposed  Consignees  of  Teas  to  be 
exported  by  the  East  India  Company  to  this  Port,  who  then  de- 
clined giving  satisfaction  to  the  Town  who  requested  their  resigna- 
tion of  said  Commission,  assigning  for  reason  that  they  were  not 
sufficiently"  informed  upon  what  terms  the  Teas  would  come  out  on 

—  the  Town  being  now  Justly  &  highly  alarmed  with  the  hourly 
expectation  of  the  arrival  of  said  Teas  ;  and  apprehending  that 
said  Consignees  are  now  thoroughly  appraised  of  the  Conditions 
upon  which  the  India  Company  are  exporting  this  detestable  Com- 
modity into  America ;  Request  that  the  Town  may  as  soon  as 
possible  be  called  together  to  consult  whether  further  application 
shall  be  made  to  said  Consignees  or  otherwise  to  act  as  the  Town 
shall  think  proper  on  the  present  dangerous  and  alarming  exi- 
gence." was  read  and  duly  considered 

[473.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  That  a  Committee  be 
appointed  upon  the  Tea  Consignees  again  and  let  them  know  that 
when  they  were  last  waited  upon  by  a  Committee  of  the  Town, 
they  informed  the  Town  that  they  could  not  then  give  a  direct 
answer  to  the  Town,  not  having  received  any  certain  advice  rela- 
tive to  tlie  Teas  —  but  as  it  is  now  supposed  by  the  Town  that 
since  the  arrival  of  Cap'.  Scott  they  are  informed  relative  thereto ; 
therefore  the  Town  now  request  an  immediate  and  direct  answer 

—  Whether  they  would  Resign  their  Appointments  as  Tea  Con- 
signees —  also 

Voted  that  John  Scollay  Esq. 

ColP.  Thomas  Marshall 

M^  Oliver  Wendell 

M^  John  Pitts 

M"^.  Samuel  Adams 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 

M--.  William  Whitwell 

be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  for  the  purpose 

The  foregoing  Committee  Reported  —  That  they  had  in  pur- 
suance of  the  Order  of  the  Town  waited  upon  the  Tea  Consignees, 
whom  the}^  found  at  the  Province  House  and  delivered  the  Mes- 
sage and  also  left  with  them  an  Attested  Copy  of  the  Town  Vote  ; 
that  those  Gentleman  then  desired  them  to  inform  the  Town,  that 
as  it  was  then  near  One  —  O'Clock,  they  could  not  give  an  imme- 
diate answer,  but  that  the  Town  might  expect  one  by  3  O'Clock 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to 
3.  O'clock  P:M: 


148  City  Document  No.  91. 

[473.]  3  O'clock  P:  M:  The  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment   

The  following  Letter  from  the  Tea  Consignees  was  this  After- 
noon upon  the  first  opening  of  the   Meeting,  handed   in   to   the 

Moderator 

Boston  Novem^  18.  1774 
Sir 

In  answer  to  the  Message  we  have  this  Day  received  from  the 
Town,  we  beg  leave  to  say,  that  we  have  not  yet  received  any  Or- 
ders from  the  East  India  Company,  respecting  the  expected  Teas, 
but  we  are  now  further  acquainted  that  our  Friends  in  England 
have  entered  into  penal  engagements  in  our  behalf,  meerly  of  a 
Commercial  nature  ;  which  puts  it  out  of  our  power  to  comply  with 

the  request  of  the  Town 

We  are 

Sir 

Your  most  humble  Servants 
EicHARD  Clark  &  Sons, 
Benj"^.  Faneuil  Jun^.  for  Self 
&  Joshua  Winslow  Esq, 
Elisua  Hutchinson  for  my 

Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq.  Brother  and  Self 

Moderator  of  a  Town  Meeting 

Assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall 

This  Letter  was  read,  and  a  Motion  then  made  &  the  Question 
accordingly  put —  "  Whether  the  same  be  satisfactory  to  the  Town 
—  Passed  in  the  Negative  Nem*  Cont." 

A  Motion  made  that  this  Meeting  be  immediately  dissolved^ — 
And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  dissolved 


[474.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in 
public  Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Saturday  the 
5*  Day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1774 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting     -------     read 

M^  Samuel  Adams  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  by  a 
written  Vote 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  5*  of  March  last, 
to  apply  to  a  proper  Grentleman,  to  deliver  an  Oration  the  5*.  of 
March  instant,  to  perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  Horrid  Massacre 
perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  Fifth  of  March  1770  by  a  Party 
of  Soldiers,  under  the  Order  and  Eye  of  Captain  Thomas  Preston 
of  the  29"".  Regiment  —  Reported 

"  That  having  met  together  several  Times  for  the  Purpose  men- 
tioned in  the  Town's  Vote  they  had  unanimously  made  Choice  of 
the  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq^  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5"".  of 
March  instant,  who  had  accordingly  accepted  of  that  Service." 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  by  D^  Warren  Chairman  of 
the  Committee,  the  question  was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall 
be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  affirmative  unanimously 


Boston  Town   Records,  1774.  149 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  Town  took  into  Consideration,  what 
would  be  the  best  Time  to  have  the  Oration  pronounced,  as  also 
what  Place  would  be  most  suitable  for  the  Purpose  —  Where- 
upon   

Voted,  That  the  Oration  be  delivered  at  Twelve  O'Clock,  at  the 
Old  South  Meeting  House,  the  Hall  not  being  capacious  enough  to 
receive  the  Inhabitants  [475.]  That  attend  upon  the  Occasion; 
the  Committee  of  that  Society  having  upon  Application,  consented 
that  the  Meeting-House  should  be  made  Use  of  for  this  Service. 
Voted,  That  D\  Joseph  Warren 

John  Scollay  Esq'. 
Jonathan  Williams  Esqu 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  the  Hon'''®.  John  Hancock  Esq*",  and 
acquaint  him.  That  it  is  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  the  Oration 
may  be  delivered  at  the  Old   South   Meeting  House,  at  Twelve 

O'clock,  this  Forenoon 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned 

to  the  Old  South  Meeting  House,  12  O'Clock 

The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment   at   the   Old   South 

Meeting  House,  12  O'Clock 

The  Com"^*^  appointed  to  wait  upon  Col\  Hancock  to  acquaint 
him  with  the  Vote  of  the  Town  respecting  the  Time  and  Place  for 

delivering  of  an  Oration 

Reported  that  said  Gentlemen  was  ready  to  comply  with  the 
Orders  of  the  Town  made  known  to  him  by  their  Committee 

An  Oration  to  commemorate  the  Horrid  Massacre  of  the  Fifth 
of  March  1770,  and  to  impress  the  Minds  of  the  Citizens  with  the 
ruinous  Tendency  of  Standing  Armies,  being  placed  in  free  & 
populous  Cities  &*^  was  delivered  by  the  Hon**'^.  John  Hancock 
Esq"",  to  a  large  and  crowded  Audience  and  received  by  them  with 

great  Applause. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 
are  given   to  the   Hon*"'®.  John  Hancock  Esq.  for  the  elegant  and 
spirited  Oration  deliver'd  by  him  at  their  Request,  in  Commemora- 
tion of  the  horrid  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5"*. 
of  March  1770  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of  [476.]  The  29"^.  Regi- 
ment, under  the   Command   of  Captain  Thomas  Preston  —  Also 
Voted,  that  M^  Samuel  Adams  Moderator 
D^  Joseph  Warren 
William  Phillips  Esq'. 
D'.  Benjamin  Church 
John  Adams  Esq'. 
M'.  William  MoUineux 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq', 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  Col'.  Han- 
cock &  in  the  Name  of  the  Town  to  require  of  him  a  Copy  of  the 

said  Oration  for  the  Press 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded, 
•    Voted  that  the  Hon*"'".  John  Hancock  Esq'. 

M'.  Samuel  Adams  Moderator 
D'.  Joseph  Warren 


150  City  Document  No.  91. 

M'.  John  Brown 

Samuel  Pemberton  Esq'. 

John  Adams  Esq^ 

D"".  Benjamin  Church 

M^  John  Pitts 

John  ScoUay  Esq"^. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  a  proper 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  fifth  of  March  next  to 
perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  horrid  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the 
Evening  of  the  5*.  of  Marcli  1770  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of  the 
29'*'.  Regiment,  under  the  Comand  of  Capt.  Thomas  Preston.  — 
And  to  impress  upon  our  Minds  the  ruinous  Tendency  of  standing 
Armies  being  placed  in  free  &  populous  Cities  in  a  Time  of  Peace  : 
And  the  Necessity  of  such  noble  Exertions  in  all  future  Times,  as 
[47 7.]  The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  then  made  whereby  the 
Designs  of  the  Conspirators  against  the  Public  Liberty  may  be 

still  frustrated. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  there  be  a  Collection  made  in 
this  Meeting,  for  M''.  Christopher  Monk,  a  young  Man  now  lan- 
guishing under  a  Wound  receiv'd  in  his  Lungs,  by  a  Shot  from 

Preston's  Bloody  Party  of  Soldiers  on  5*^.  March  1770. 

A  Collection  for  M"".  Monk  was  made  accordingly,  which 
amounted  to  the  Sum  of  Three  Hundred  and  Nineteen  Pounds 
13/3  old  Tenor,  &  the  same  by  Order  of  the  Town,  was  lodged 
with  the  Select  Men  for  the  Use  of  the  said  Monk. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 
are  given  to  M"".  Samuel  Adams,  Moderator  of  the  Meeting  for  his 
good  Service. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting,  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  14^.  day  of 
March  1774 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev*.  D'.  Eliot 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Sundry  Laws  enjoined  to  be  read  at  the  Meeting  were  accord- 
ingly read,  

The  lion""".  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting,  but  by  Indisposition  prevented  giving  his  Attendance  — 
The  Town  then  brought  in  their  Votes  for  another  Moderator,  & 
upon  .Sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  Hon'''®.  [478.]  Thomas 
Cushing  Esq.  was  chosen. 

M'.  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town-Clerk  for  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, &  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his 
Duty,  which  Oath  was  administred  to  him  by  M"".  Justice  Hill. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen,  &  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared  that 
John  Scollay  Esq. 
Hon'''''.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M^  Timothy  Newell 
Col.  Thomas  Marshall 


Boston  Town  Kecords,  1774.  151 

M''.  Samuel  Austin 
M^  Oliver  Wendell 
M'.  John  Pitts 
were  chosen  Select  Men  for  the  Year  ensuing 


The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
John  Barrett  Esq. 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
]VP.  Benj''.  Dolbear 
M^  Will'"  Whitwell 
IVP.  Will™.  Greenleaf 
W"  White  Esq. 
John  Leverett  Esq. 
John  Gore  Esq. 
Cap'.  Samuel  Partridge 
M''.  Samuel  Whitwell 
M^  Samuel  Abbot 
M^  Daniel  Waldo 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve   Wardens,   and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
[479.]  Francis  Green  Esq. 

M''.  Ebenezer  Sever 
M"'.  Thomas  Crafts  (excused) 
Cap'.  Samuel  Doggett 
M''.  John  Amory  (excused) 
M*".  P!ibenezer  Hancock 
M"".  Joseph  Callender  (excused) 
M"".  Thomas  Kimble 
M"".  John  Clough  (excused) 
M^  George  Bright 
M'.  William  McNeil 
M'.  William  Daws  Jun"".  (excused) 
were  chosen  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing  —  see  page 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire- Wards,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
John  Scollay  Esq. 
Newman  Greenough  Esq. 
M^  William  Cooper 
Col.  Thomas  Marshall 
M'.  Joseph  Tyler 
Major  Adino  Paddock 
Cap'.  Benjamin  Waldo 
The  Hon'''"'.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M^  Samuel  Adams 
Cap'.  Martin  Gay 
Francis  Shaw  Esq. 
Capt.  Job  Prince 
Capt.  Edward  Procter 
M^  John  Coffin 
Capt.  John  Pulling 
Deacon  Caleb  Davis 
were  chosen  Fire-Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing 


152  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Inbabitants  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

[480.]                         M^  David  Jeffries 
was  chosen  Town  Treasurer  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Choice  of  a  County- 
Treasurer  be  referr'd  to  4  O'CIock  P.  M.  and  the  Choice  of  Con- 
stables to  3  O'clock  P.  M. 

Adjourned  to  3  O'CIock  in  the  Afternoon 

3  O'clock  P.  M.  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment. 
Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded,  the  Question  was  put  — 
Whether   Collectors  of   Taxes   should  be  chosen,  seperate    fi"om 

Constables  —  Passed  in  the  Afflimative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  remitted  out  of  the  Ten 
Pounds  Fine  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of 

Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  shall  decline  serving. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Constables  ; 
The  Persons  chose  into  that  Office  are 

Mess".  Augustus  Hail 

Stephen  Symmes 
John  Ben net 
George  Thomas 
Thomas  Bell 
Joseph  Joye 
John  Coverly 
William  Told 
John  Ham  matt 
Samuel  Greanleaf 
Matthew  Nazro 
John  Wells 
Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  brought  in,  and  being  sealed  up 
in  Town  Meeting,  were  delivered  to  M"".  Constable  Bennet,    for 
him  to  return  to  the  Court  of  Sessions,  at  their  next  Meeting 
[481.]  Mess"  Richard  Billings 

Andrew  Brimmer 
Samuel  Parkman 
Thomas  Melvil 
Joshua  Blanchard  jun'. 
John  Barrett  jun''. 
Benjamin  Hammett  jun''. 
Duncan  Ingraham  jun"^ 
John  Coffin  Jones 

James  Swan excused 

David  Sears  -----     excused 
Daniel  Bill 
were   chose    Clerks   of  the   Market   for   the  Year   ensuing  —  see 
Page  24*. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Twelve  Pence  on  the  Pound  be  &  here- 
by is  allowed  to  such  Persons,  as  sh;ill  be  chose  Collectors  of  Tax- 
es for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  collect, 
provided  they  pay  into  the  several  Treasuries  the  whole  Sum  com- 
mitted to  them  to  collect,  on   or  before  the  Tenth  Day  of  August 


Boston  Town   Records,   1774.  153 

1774  — Eight  Pence  on  the  Pound  on  all  such  other  Sums  as  they 
shall  have  so  paid  into  said  Treasuries,  on  or  before  the  20"^. 
Day  of  December  1774 — And  Four  Pence  on  the  Pound  upon 
the  Remainder  of  the  Sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  collect,  pro- 
vided such  Remainder  shall  be  fully  paid  in,  on  or  before  the 
Second  Monday  in  March  1775  —  This  Premium,  as  above  ex- 
pressed to  be  just  &  equitable,  &  an  ample  Allowance  to  the  Col- 
lectors to  encourage  them  to  discharge  their  Duty  with  Diligence 
&  Fidelity  ;  provided  also  that  each  of  said  Collectors  give  Bond 
with  sufficient  Sureties  to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen,  for 
the  faithful  Discharge  of  their  Duty  in  said  Office ;  and  complying 

with  this  Vote. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Four  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
Mess".  Edward  Hollyday 
Abraham  Savage 
Benjamin  Henderson 
Benjamin  Gray  —  were  chose 

Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be,  &  hereby  are  impowered  to  set 
for  Abatement  of  such  Taxes,  as  they  shall  judge  reasonable,  on 
every  Wednesday  untill  the  last  Wednesday  in  April  inclusive,  & 
no  longer,  save  that  they  be  allowed  to  set  the  Two  last  Weeks  in 
November,  for  the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons,  as  had 
not  an  Opportunity  of  applying  in  the  above  limited  Time,  by 
reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province,  at  which  Time  also  they 
are  allowed  &  impowered,  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as 
may  have   died  insolvent   between    the   said  last    Wednesday  in 

April  &  last  Day  of  November. 

sent 
The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assesors,  & 

upon  sorting  them  it  appear'd  that 

M''.  Benjamin  Church 
M^  Daniel  Parker 
Deacon  Jonathan  Brown 
Gyles  Harris  Esq. 
Capt.  Samuel  Downe 
M'.  William  Lowder 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuinar 


see  page  26. 
M'.  John  Gray 
was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Mess".  William  Nichols 
Andrew  Syms 
Clement  Collins 
Henry  Allen 
Isaac  Vergoose 
John  Grenough 
Jacob  Thayer 
Joseph  Edmunds 
Richard  Walker 
John  Champney 


154  City  Document  No.  91. 

John  Bulfinch  jun'. 
Abraham  Howard 
[483.]  Joseph  Butler 

Joseph  Ayres 
Thomas  Bayley 
Andrew  Town  send 
Joseph  Ballard 
John  Holland 
John  Rogers 
Edmund  Ranger 
Thomas  Uran 
Elisha  Homes 
Obediah  Low 
Benjamin  Page 
Clement  Collins  jun'. 
Donely  Wing 
Henry  Blaisdell 
Abraham  Rogers 
Benjamin  White 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

see  Page  24 
Mess".  John  Joy 

Obadiah  Low 
Samuel  Dyer 
John  Dyer 
William  Crafts 

were  chose  Fence-Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess"'  Samuel  Bangs 
Joseph  Clark 
Daniel  Parks 
Benjamin  Bass 
Thomas  Noland 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Mess".  Thomas  Edes 

Adam  Colson 
were  chose  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing. — 
[484.]     Mess".  Peter  Cotta. 

Menasseh  Masters 

Joseph  Dyer 

John  Has  kins 

David  Spear 

Jonathan  Jenkins 

Job  Wheelwright 

Joshua  Pico 

Benjamin  Sault 

Paul  Baxter 

John  Owen 

Thomas  Knox 

Samuel  White 

Edward  Cowell 

Peter  Ellis  (dead) 

Timothy  Pease 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1774.  155 

Nathaniel  Waterman 
Jacob  Williams 
Samuel  Barnard  (dead) 
John  Newell 
Henry  Lucas 
Caleb  Thaj-er 
James  Beard 
Eichard  Flood 
William  Rogers 
Samuel  Peck 
were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


see  Page  47. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  Morning  9 
O'clock. 

Tuesday  March  5^^.  9  O'Clock  A.  M.  Town  met  according  to 
Adjournment 

Mess".  David  Simons (excused) 

Benjamin  Blake 
Ehjah  Searl 
were  chose  Hog-greeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

M'.  William  M-^Fadden 
was  chosen  a  Hayward  for  the  Year  ensuing 

[485.]     Upon  a  Motion  make  &  seconded,  Voted,  that 
Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
M'.  Alexander  Hill 
be  a  Coinittee  to  look  into  the  Law  relative  to  Scavingers,  and  to 
get  such  Amendment,  or  Addition  made  to  said  Law,  as  they  may 
think  necessary  to  enable  those  Officers  to  discharge  their  Duty  in 
a  proper  Manner sent 

Wards. 

Mess".  Josiah  Vose  --- ---N°.  1. 

Joseph  Snelling 28 

Caleb  Champney  --------         3s 

Freeman  Pulcifer  -------         48 

John  Lovel 5 

Joseph  Loring 6 

Charles  -  -  -  -          7 

John  Langdon  ---------         8 

Samuel  Warden 9s 

John  FuUerton -       10 

Thomas  Chase  ---------       11 

Benjamin  Wheeler   ------       12 

were  chose  Scavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Five  Wardens  in  the  Room 
of  those  who  had  been  excused  from  serving,  and  upon  sorting 
them  it  appear'd,  that 

Mess".  Samuel  Sellen 
John  Cotton 
Samuel  Bass 


156  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

Cap'.  Nehemiah  Tomes 

Alexander  Edwards  (excused) 
were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing,  see  Page  54. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  One  Assessor,  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M"".  Samuel  Johnson 
was  chosen  an  Assessor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  John  White 
John  Lucas 
were  chose  Surve^-ors  of  Wheat  for  the  Year  ensuing 
[486.]  Col.  Joseph  Jackson 

Col.  John  Leveret 

M".  John  Sweetser 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  and  they  are 
desired  &  impower'd  to  give  all  needful  Direction  to  the  Keeper  of 
the  Granary,  respecting  the  Quantity  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  &  affix- 
ing the  Price  thereof  from  Time  to  Time,  as  Occasion  shall 
require  ;  And  the  said  Comm'^^  are  desired  &  directed  to  cause  all 
the  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  granted  at  the  new  Mills, 
near  the  Mill-Bridge  now  occupied  by  M^  George  Leonard 

Cap'.  Martin  Gay 

M'.  John  Skinner 
were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Selectmen 
chosen  Siirveyers  of  the  High  Ways  for  the  Year  ensuing 

M^  James  Blake 
was  chosen  a  Surveyer  of  Boards  for  the  ensuing  Year. 

M"".  Henry  Prentice 
was  chosen  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  ensuing  Year 

The  Selectmen  reported  on  the  Account  of  M^  Benj^.  Fenno, 
Keeper  of  the  Granary  for  the  Year  past,  which  Accompt  is 
entered  in  his  Books  (and  on  File  in  the  Town  Clerk's  OfBce)  was 
read,  whereupon  it  was  Voted  that  the  same  be  accepted,  and  that 
M'.  Fenno  be  accountable  to  the  Town  for  850  Bushells  of  Corn, 
&  26  Bushells  of  Rye,  amounting  to  £67  ,,  15^.  and  also  for  the 
Sum  of  £104  ,,  18  ,,  8^  Cash  now  in  his  Hands  exclusive  of  the 
Sum  of  £32  ,,  13  ,,  4  for  his  Salary  &  Attendance,  as  charged  in 
this  Account,  which  is  hereby  allowed  him. 


Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded.  Voted,  that 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
M^  William  Whitwell 
M^  Alexander  Hill 
John  Rowe  Esq. 
M'.  Edward  Payne 
[487.]     Be,  and  liereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  examine 
into  the  State  of  the  Granary,  &  report  the  same,  as  also  their 
Opinion,  whether  it  will  be  expedient  for  the  Town  to  continue  the 
same  sent. 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  School-Masters  Salaries  and  all 
other  Salaries  &  Grants,  be  referred  over  to  next  May  Meet- 
ing.   

Upon  a  Motion  made  «&;  seconded,  Voted,  That  the  Town  Treas- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  157 

urer  be,  &  hereby  is  impoweied  &  directed  to  borrow,  on  Interest, 
a  Sum  not  exceeding  Tliree  Hundred  Pounds  Lawful  Money,  for 
the  Use  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  to  purchase  Grain  &°.  for 

the  Aims-House. sent 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded.  Voted,  that  the  Town-Treas- 
urer be,  &  hereby  is  directed  and  impower'd  to  give  his  negotiable 
Notes  upon  Interest  to  such  of  tlie  Overseers  of  the  Poor  as  are  in 
Advance  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  for  such  Sums  as  appear  to  be 
due  to  them  respectively,  upon  the  Auditing  of  their  of  their  Ac- 

compts  to  the  present  Month sent 

Voted,  that  M"^.  Edward  Pavne 

M^  Alexander  Hill 

M^  Ezekiel  Price 

Major  Thomas  Daws 

Capt.  Samuel  Bradford 
Be,  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  audit  the  Ac- 
compts  of  M"".  Treasurer  Jeffries,  &  also  the  Accompts  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  &  the  said  Committee  are  impowered,  when 
they  shall  Audit  said  Accompts,  to  allow  such  of  the  Overseers,  as 
shall  ad!vance  Money  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  Interest  on  all 
such  Sums  from  the  Time  so  advanced,  till  they  shall  have 
Audited  said  Accompts  ;  and  they  are  also  desired  to  report  from 
Time  to  Time  a  State  of  the  Treasury,  respecting  the  Debts  & 

Credits,  &  on  any  Matter,  that  they  may  think  proper. 

The  Petition  of  M'.  Jacob  Emmons, 
"That  an  Allowance  be  made  him  for  the  extraordinary  Damage 
he  has  sustained  by  taking  down  his  Walls  &  Chimnies  in  Paddy 
Alley,  after  the  late  Fire,  over  &  above  what  the  Jury  has 
assigned  [488.]  Him  "  was  read,  &  after  considerable  Debate 
had  thereon,  The  Question  was  put,  Whether  the  Town  will  sus- 
tain the  Petition.     Passed  in  the  Negative. 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock.  P.  M. 

3  O'clock  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Petition  of  M'.  Thomas  Walker,  "  for  some  Relief  under 
the  Charge  occasioned  him  by  the  Wound  his  then  Apprentice, 
Christopher  Monk,  received  from  Preston's  Soldiers  in  the  Mas- 
sacre on  the  Evening  of  the  5"^.  of  March  1770,  was  read  &  con- 
sidered —  whereupon  it  was  moved  that  the  Petition  be  dismissed, 
and  it  was  accordingly  dismissed. 

The  Petition  of  Capt.  Amassa  Davis,  "That  a  Peice  of  the 
Town's  Flatts  now  improv'd  by  him,  &  situated  between  the 
Fortification  Walls  &  the  Land  improv'd  by  M'.  Byles  may  be 
Leased  to  him  for  a  Number  of  Years,"  was  read  &  consider'd  — 
whereupon,  Voted,  That  the  same  be  accepted,  &  that  the  Select- 
men be,  &  hereby  are  impower'd,  to  Lease  the  said  Peice  of  Land 
to  the  Petitioner,  upon  such  Terms  as  they  shall  think  will  be  for 
the  Interest  of  the  Town. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that 

The  Selectmen 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Jonah  Quincy  Esq 


J58  City  Document  No.  91. 

be  a  Comittee  to  enquire,  how  far  M"".  Byles,  has  complied  with 
his  Lease,  &  to  Report  to  the  Town  at  May  Meeting ;  as  also  what 
is  proper  to  be  done  for  the  Security  of  the  Land 

The  Petition  of  M^  Samuel  Hunt,  Master  of  the  North  Gram- 
mar School,  "That  the  same  Encouragement  may  be  given  liim, 
in  the  Article  of  House-Rent  as  is  afforded  the  Master  of  the  other 
Grammar  School "  was  [489.]  Read,  &  considered.  Whereupon 
Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  be,  &  hereby  is  allowed 
him,  to  enable  him  to  provide  a  House  for  himself  the  present 
Year 

The  Committee  on  M"".  Gaven  Brown's  Petition,  relative  to  a 
Clock,  reported,  but  after  long  Debate  had,  as  to  the  Propriety  of 
this  Reports  being  taken  up,  —  It  was  Voted,  That  the  Matter 
subside. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  of  the  Re- 
quest of  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants,  That  the  Incumbrances 
on  Dock  Square  may  be  removed  &  Measures  taken  for  filling  up 
the  Town-Dock,  that  so  room  may  be  made  for  the  Standing  of 
the  Florses  &  Carts,  of  those  Country  People,  who  bring  Provi- 
sions to  Market,  was  read,  &  after  Debate  had  thereon, 

Voted,  that  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
John  ScoUay  Esq. 
Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 
M"".  WiUiam  Cooper 
John  Rowe  Esq 
be  a  Committee  to  take  the  same  into  Consideration,  &  report  as 
soon  as  may  be  ;  &  the  Committee  arc  hereby  irapower'd  to  treat 
with  the  Proprietors,  if  they  have  any  Doubt,  as  to  the  Title  of 
the  Dock. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'  "  Whether  the  Town  will 
take  any  Measures  for  providing  a  suitable  Place,  where  the 
Carts  &  Sleds  with  Hay  Fire- Wood  &c.  may  be  accoinodated, 
and  the  Inhabitants  of  Corn-Hill  thereby  eased  of  that  Incum- 
brance," was  read  &  Debate  had  thereon 
Whereupon 

Voted,  That  Thomas  Marshall  Esq 

Capt.  Thomas  Dalton,  say  James 
Capt.  John  Joy 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
_M^  William  Whitwell 
Be  a  Colnittee  to  take  this  Matter  into  Consileration,  &  to  re- 
port at  the  Adjournment  what  they  think  proper  to  be  done. 

[499.]  That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider 
whether  the  Selectmen  shall  be  authorized  &  impower'd  to  prose- 
cute any  Person  or  Persons,  that  have,  or  may  encroach  upon  the 
Town's  Laud,  or  on  the  Streets  or  High  Ways  of  the  Town,  was 
read  &  considered  —  Whereupon  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  for 
the  Time  being,  as  Agents  of  the  Town,  be,  &  they  hereby  are 
irapowered  to  bring  forward  &  prosecute  in  the  Law  any  Suit,  or 
Suits  that  may  be  necessary  for  Recovering  their  Right  Title  & 
Possession  of,  and  in  all  such  Lands,  Tenements  &  Hereditaments, 
as  are  the  Property  of  the  Town ;  &  also  for  the  Removal  of  all 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  159 

such   Incumbranoes,    as   have   been,  or  may  be    made  upon    the 
Town's   Land,  Streets  or  High  Ways;    &  this    they   are  directed 

&  impowered  to  do  until  final  Judgment  &  Execution. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  30'^  of 
March  instant  9  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Wednesday  Morning  at  9  O'Clock  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment. 

The  Town  made  Choice  of  John  Rowe  Esq.  for  a  Moderator, 
Pro  Tempore,  in  the  Room  of  the  Hon**'"  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 
confined  at  Home  by  Illness,  but  M^  Rowe  desiring  to  be  excused, 

John  Hill  Esq.  was  chosen  a  Moderatorpro  Temp,  in  his  Room 

M"".  John  Smith 
M^  John  Peirce  Palmer 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

That  Clause  in  the  Warrant,  Viz*.,  "  Whether  the  Town  will 
take  any  Measures  for  providing  a  suitable  Place,  where  the 
Carts  &  Sleds  with  Hay,  Fire- Wood  &c.  may  be  accoiuodated,  & 
Inhabitants  of  Coruhill  thereb}^  eased  of  that  Incumbrance,"  was 
read,  &  the  Committee  thereon  acquainted  the  Town,  "  That  they 
were  not  yet  able  to  make  Report,"  when  tiiey  were  desired  to  do 
it  as  soon  as  may  be. 

[491.]  The  Request  of  M^  Miller,  as' inserted  in  the  War- 
rant Viz'.,  That  he  may  have  Liberty,  at  his  own  Expence,  to 
run  a  Head,  or  Wharf  from  his  Land  across  the  Bottom  of  Milk- 
Street,  to  improve  it  for  Landing  Lumber  &c.  &  to  pay  the  Town 
a  Consideration  for  the  Rent  of  it,"  was  read,  Whereupon,  Voted, 
that 

The    Selectmen 
be  a  Committee    to  take  this  Matter  into  Consideration,  and  to 
report  as  soon  as  may  be 

The  Petition  of  jVP.  Samuel  Barrett  &  others,  "  That  proper 
&  legal  Measures  may  be  adoped  for  laying  out  a  Street  to  lead 
from  the  Botton  of  Union-Street,  below  the  Green  Dragon,  to 
the  Bottom  of  Sudbury  Street,"  was  read,  whereupon 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to 
Consider  the  Petition,  &  determine  upon  the  same  as  they  may 
think  for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town 

The  Petition  of  the  Rev*^.  John  Christopher  Hartwick  setting 
forth, 

"  That  your  Petitioner  came  to  this  Town  upon  a  Call  of  a  Num- 
ber of  Inhabitants  of  the  same,  originally  Germans,  came  to  this 
Place  upwards  of  Twenty  Years  ago,  upon  the  Invitation  of  some 
notable  Gentlemen  of  this  Place  promising  them  great  Advantages 
—  That  by  that  Call  your  Petitioner  is  appointed  spiritual  Pastor 
over  them — That  your  Petitioner  flndeth  the  Execution  of  his 
Office  a  very  difficult  Task  upon  several  Accounts,  especially  for 
Want  of  a  convenient  House  to  meet  in  for  Instruction  &  Divine 
Worship.  —  That  the  Members  of  his  Congregation  are  generally 
poor,  &  unable  either  to  purchase  Ground  or  to  build  a  House  of 
Divine  Worship.  —  Your  Petitioner  therefore  begs  Leave  to  observe 
to  your  Honors,  that  unless  he  is  assisted  in  this  respect  by  the 
Generous  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  he  must  give  up  his 


160  City  Docotient  No.  91. 

Vocation  &  leave  this  People,  without  a  Remedy,  in  the  degenerate 
&  deplorable  [493.]  State,  in  which  he  found  them,  &  in  which, 
in  a  great  Measure  they  are  yet,  in  which  Case  a  Number  of  them 
may  become  a  Burden  to  the  Community,  &  a  Stain  to  the  glorious 
Character  of  the  People  of  Boston,  which  would  be  a  great  Pity, 
as  they  are  industrious  People,  and  by  proper  Care  may  become 
an  Ornament  &  Blessing  to  the  Society,  of  which,  by  Divine 
Providence,  they  are  become  members.  But  your  Petitioner  hath 
Ground  to  hope  better  Thhigs,  from  the  Consideration,  that  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  have  deservedly  the  Name  of  a 
Religious,  Generous  &  Hospitable  People  :  That  therefore  the}^  will 
consider,  that  this  People  is  come  among  them,  not  slyly  &  sur- 
reptitiously, like  the  Gibeonites  ;  that  they,  notwithstanding  that, 
share  the  Fate  of  the  Gibeonites,  contrary  to  what  they  were  made 
to  expect :  That  they  are  Fellow-Protestants,  built  upon  the  Foun- 
dation of  the  Prophets  &  Apostles,  of  which  Jesus  Christ  is  the 
Chief  Corner  Stone,  renouncing  all  Human  Traditions  &  Popish 
Relicks.  That  every  Member  of  a  Body  is  under  an  Obligation  to 
serve  his  Fellow-Members,  with  the  Gifts  he  has  received,  as  good 
Stewards  of  the  manifold  Grace  of  God:  That  it  is  the  express 
Command  of  God  to  love  the  Strangers,  as  ourselves,  considering 
that  our  Forefathers  were  also  Strangers,  &  that  God  himself 
loveth  Strangers :  That  People  of  a  different  Language  residing  in 
an  Imperiuvi  is  both  Ornamental  &  Beneficial.  —  These  &  other 
Considerations,  too  tedious  to  be  recited  here,  have  emboldened 
your  Petitioner,  to  lay  his,  &  his  Peoples  Circumstances  before 
your  Honors,  in  Order  to  communicate  them  to  the  respectable 
Inhabitants  in  lawful  Town  Meeting  assembled,  humbly  praying 
to  take  their  pitiful  Case  into  their  most  serious  Consideration,  & 
to  assist  them  in  the  best  Manner  their  Wisdom  may  suggest  & 
their  Charity  move  them  to. 

[493.]  If  my  humble  Opinion  was  asked,  or  I  might  be  more 
particular  in  my  humble  Request,  it  is  this  :  I  am  informed  that  in 
the  Common,  near  the  School-House,  is  a  vacant  &  convenient 
Spot  of  Ground,  on  which  a  plain  Meeting-House,  without  any 
Ornaments  or  Superfluities,  might  be  built,  if  a  public  Collection  in 
all  the  Churches  was  granted.  The  Ground  remain  under  the  Trust 
of  the  Selectmen,  &  the  Reversion  &  remainder  to  the  Town,  &  only 
the  Use  granted  to  your  Petitioner  &  his  Successors,  being  Evan- 
gelical Ministers  of  the  Gospel,  &  the  Evangelical  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  in  Communion  with  the  Protestant  Churches 
in  Europe,  who  consent  to  &  approve  of  the  famous  &  Original 
Confession  delivered  to  Charles  the  Fifth,  Emperor  of  Germany, 
in  a  Diet  of  the  States  of  the  German  Empire,  &  publicly  read  at 
Augsbourg  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  1530. 

But  all  this  your  Petitioner  leaveth  to  your  Honor's  superior 
Knowledge  &  Wisdom,  only  begging  to  pardon  his  Freedom,  to 
grant  hiin  the  Privilege  of  your  Favors  &  Protection.  And  for  the 
Prosperity  of  your  Town  &  Country,  your  Petitioner  shall  always 
pray."  —  was  read,  &  after  Debate  had  thereon, 

Voted,  that  The  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  161 

D"".  Benjiimin  Church 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Petition  into  Consideration  &  report 

as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Accompts  of  David 
Jeffries  Town  Treasurer  have  attended  that  service  and  find  the 
same  right  cast  &  well  vouched,  in  which  he  charges  himself  with 
sundry  Fines,  Rents,  &  other  Incomes  of  the  Town  ;  as  also  with 
the  Tux  of  £7000,  all  which  amount  to  the  Sum  of  Fourteen  Thou- 
sand Two  Hundred  &  Forty  Pounds  Eleven  Shillings  &  nine  Pence 

Three  Farthings,  including  the  Ballance  of  old  Account. 

And  the  said  Treasurer  discharges  himself  by  sundry  Abatements 
made  the  Collectors  amounting  to  £708  ,,  12,,  9  [494,]  By  Drafts 
made  on  the  Selectmen  amounting  to  £4256  ,,  14  ,,  7|  of  which  he 
has  paid  Thirty  Eight  Hundred  Thirty  Three  Pounds  Seven  Shil- 

■  lings  and  Two  Pence  Farthing. 

And  by  Drafts  made  by  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  which  contain 
the  Charges  of  the  Alms  House  amounting  Thirt}^  Three  Hundred 
forty  three  pounds  four  Shillings  &  two  pence,  of  which  he  has 
paid  Twenty  three  Hundred  &  five  Pounds  thirteen  shillings  »&  ten 
pence  —  Also  for  sundry  Sums  paid  for  Interest  amounting  to  three 
hundred  twenty  nine  pounds  fifteen  shillings  &  eight  pence,  the 
whole  amounting  to  eight   thousand   six  hundred  &  thirty  eight 

Pounds  eight  shillings  &  six  pence  three  farthings. 

The  said  Coiuittee  have  inspected  said  Drafts  in  a  very  particu- 
lar manner,  &  have  examined  the  Vouchers  produced  by  the  Over- 
seers of  the  poor  for  the  amount  of  their  Drdts  &  every  other 
Bx'anch  of  public  Charge,  amounting  in  all,  as  above  to  eight  thou- 
sand six  hundred  &  thirty  eight  pounds  eight  shillings  &  six  pence 
farthing,  as  by  Account  of  Town  Treasury  in  Town  Treasurer's 
Books  Ballance  whereof  being  five  thousand  six  hundred  &  two 
pounds  three  shillings  &  three  pence  is  carried  to  the  Credit  of  new 

Account. 

Which  Report  &  Account  being  read  —  Voted,  that  the  same  be, 

&  hereby  is  accepted. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  Town  Treasury  Ac- 
compts reported  a  Memorandum  of  sundry  Debts,  supposed  not 
good,  which  stands  open  in  the  Treasurer's  Books, 

viz'.  Edward  Hopkins-     -     £    1   ,,  —  ,,  

Thomas  Meulins's  Estate 
Henry  Lloyd  Esq.  -  - 
Aaron  Ramnell  -  -  - 
Inorcas  Blake's  Estate  - 
Samuel  Butler's  Estate  - 
John  Warden's  Estate  - 
Benjamin  Hodgins  Estate 
Charles  Henley's  Estate 
[495.]  Isaac  Cazueau     -     -     - 

John  &  Richard  Billings 
Thomas  Green    -     -     - 
Isaac  Dupee  -     -     -     - 
Ephraim  Copeland  -     - 
Peter  Cumber     -     -     - 


7 

„  13 

11 

7 

1 

„17 

11 

3 

4 

15 

u 

—  16 

^^ 

■)^ 

2 

„19 

11 

3 

6 

„    8 

11 

10 

a 

16 

1 1 

^^ 

18 

11 

— 

H 

18 

11 

— 

H 

1 

nil 

11 

10 

;( 

16 

11 

11 

1 

„     2 

11 

3^ 

a 

19 

•n 

7 

12 

„  12 

^^ 

10 

162  City  Document  'No.  91. 

Whereupon  Voted,  That  the  Towq  Treasurer,  M^  David  Jeffries 
be,  &  he  hereby  is  directed  to  close  those  Accompts  together  with 
what  M'^.  Samuel  Adams,  a  late  Collector,  erroneously  stands  D^ 

for  on  Town  Treasur}'  Books. 

Voted,  That  all  Matters  &  things  which  remain  unfinished  at  this 
Meeting  be  referred  over  to  the  next  general  Town  Meeting,  to  be 

then  considered  of  and  acted  upon. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

At  a  Meeting  of  ths  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  dul}'  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  30"^.  Day  of 
March  Anno  Dom  :   1774  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  read 

The  Town  having  upon  a  Motion  made  Voted  to  choose  a  Mod- 
erator by  Hand- Vote,  William  Phillips  Esq.  was  accordingly  chosen  . 
Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.,  "  To  determine  whether  the 
Town  will  purchase  the  new  Clock  latelj'  made  by  M"".  Gawen 
Brown,  &  fix  the  same  in  the  Steeple  of  the  old  South  [496.] 
Church,  and  also  the  two  Dials  that  are  already  there,  and  another 
that  M''.  Brown  proposes  to  put  up  on  the  West  side  of  said 
Steeple,  &  agree  upon  the  Terms,  on  winch  such  Purchase  shall  be 
made "  —  was  taken  into  Consideration,  &  after  some  Debate 
thereon,  Voted,  That  the  Town  will  grant  the  said  Gawen  Brown 
Eiglity  Pounds  lawful  Money  towards  purchasing  said  Clock  & 
three  Dials,  which,  with  Eighty  Pounds  lawful  Money  more  sub- 
scribed by  several  of  the  Inhabitants  (Part  of  which  he  has  already 
received)  will  in  the  Estimation  of  the  Town,  be  the  full  Value  of 
said  Clock  &  three  Dials,  the  Grant  hereby  made  to  be  drawn, for 
by  the  Selectmen,  as  soon  as  may  be  after  said  Clock  &  Dials  are 
fixt  in  said  Steeple  to  their  Satisfaction,  provided  said  Brown  give. 
Security  to  the  Selectmen  that  he  will  keep  said  Clock  in  good 
Order  and  winde  up  the  same  at  his  own  Expence  for  Seven  Years 
after  said  Clock  &  Dials  are  there  fixed  ;  the  third  Dial  to  be  of  the 
same  Size  with  the  other  two  Dials 

Also  Voted 

That  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  take  a  Bill  of 
Parcels  of  M''.  Brown  for  the  Clock  &  Dials,  together  with  a  Re- 
ceipt in  full,  that  it  may  hereafter  appear  to  be  the  Property  of  the 
Town. 

The  Hon*"'^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  having  sent  in  his  Desire  to  the 
Town,  that  he  might  be  excused  from  serving  any  longer  as  a 
Fire-Ward,  on  Account  of  his  Health;  he  was  accordingly  ex- 
cused.   

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted  unanamously,  That  the  Thanks  of 
the  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to  the  flon'''''  John  Hancock  Esq. 
for  his  good  Services  as  a  Fire- Ward,  a  Number  of  Years 
past. 

[497.]  The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  of  Boston  for 
procuring  &  erecting  Lamps,  beg  leave  to  report,  and  they  accord- 
ingly do  report 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  163 

That  they  received  of  the  Treasurer  out  of  the  Monies  subscribed 
and  paid  for  the  Purpose  £120  Sterling,  witb  which  tiiey  pro- 
cured &  sent  to  M^  John  Boylston  Merchant  in  London  a  Bill  of 
Exchange  for  £90  Sterling 

That  M^  Boylston  procured  &  sent  Lamps  &  Tin  to  the  Amount 
of  £77  ,,  3  ,,  6  sterling,  in  which  he  did  not  charge  any  Commis- 
sions, or  any  thing  for  his  Trouble,  &  moreover,  he  made  such  an 
Interest  with  the  Captain  as  to  obtain  their  being  brought  free  of 
the  Charge  of  Freight,  all  which  has  made  a  considerable  Saving 
to  the  Town. 

That  the  whole  Number  of  Lamps  erected  under  the  Direction 
of  tlie  Committee  amounts  to  three  hundred  &  Ten. 

That  the  whole  Sum  received  of,  &  drawn  upon  the  Treasurer 
for,  amounts  to  £450  ,,  7  ,,  3,  as  by  Account  of  Particulars  hereto 
annexed  

That  there  still  remains  in  the  Hands  of  M^  John  Boylston 
Merchant  in  London  the  Sum  of  £12  ,,  IG  ,,  6  sterling  to  be  ac- 
counted for  by  him,  &  in  the  hands  of  the  Committee  59  Globe 
Glasses —  665  Tin  Plates  and  6^''  weight  of  Oakum  which  are  ready 
to  be  delivered  to  the  Order  of  the  Town 

all  which  is  humbly  submitted 

John  Eowe  p  Order 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read,  the  Question  was  put, 
Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Affermative 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 
John  Rowe  p]sq. 
Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
The  Moderator 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  draw  up  a  Vote  of 
Thanks  to  M''.  John  Boylston,  to  be  reported,  before  the  same  is 
transmitted. 

[498.]  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be,  &  hereby  is  adjourned 
to  Fryday  the  8"^.  Day  of  April  next,  3  O'Clock  P.  M. 


Fryday  April  8'^.  1774,  3  O'Clock   P.    M.    met   according   to 

Adjournment. • 

M"".  Robert  Breck 
was  chosen  a  Culler  of  Hoops  &  Staves  for  the  Year  ensuing 


The  Comittee  appointed  to  receive  the  Money  subscribed  for 
purchasing  of  Lamps,  report 

That  they  have  attended  that  Business,  &  received  of  the  pei'- 
sons,  whose  Names  are  mentioned  in  the  Lists  of  the  several 
"Wards,  herewith  delivered,  the  Sum  of  five  Hundred  &  twenty 
four  Pounds  eleven  shillings,  &  eight  pence,  which,  agreeable  to 
the  Vote  of  the  Town,  they  have  paid  into  the  Town  Treasury. 

That  there  are  some  other  Subscribers  who  have  not  paid  their 
Subscriptions,  but  when  received  are  likewise  to  be  paid  into  the 
Treasury. 

And  that  there  are  a  Number  who  have  subscribed  to  give 
Lamps,  &  others,  whpse  Subscriptions  are  to  be  paid  in  Work,  as 
mentioned  in  said  Lists  ;  the  Names  of  whom  anil  their  particular 


164  City  Document  No.  91. 

Subscriptions  have  likewise   been   given  to   tlie  Committees   tip- 
pointed  to  purchase  and  erect  the  Lamps  £  524  ,,  11  ,,  8 

Ja^.  Richardson  p  Order 

The  above  Report  having  been  read,  the  Question  was  put, 
Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Afferma- 
tive. 

The  Selectmen  being  appointed  a  Committee  to  consider  the  Pe- 
tition of  M"".  Samuel  Barrett  &  others,  that  a  street  might  be  laid 
out,  extending  from  the  Bottom  of  Union  Street  to  the  End  of 
Sudbury  Street,  do  report  as  their  Opiiiiou, 

That  it  will  not  be  of  any  Advantage  to  the  Town  to  have  any 
other  Street,  than  what  the  Abbuters  on  the  Land  between[499.] 
The  Street  called  Friend  Street  &  Cold  Lane,  have  already  laid 
out,  unless  the  Owners  of  the  Land  between  Union  Street,  and 
Friend  Street,  &  from  Cold  Lane  to  Sudbury  Street,  are  inclined 
to  lay  out  a  Street  through  their  Land,  at  their  own  Expence, 
in  which  Case  they  think  it  best  that  they  may  be  permitted  to 

lay  out  One  accordingly. 

John  Scolley,  p  Order 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  —  the 
Question  was  put,  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed 
in  the  Affermative. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Peti- 
tion of  the  Rev'*.  M^  John  Christopher  Hartwick,  in  behalf  of  a 
Number  of  German  Families  being  in  this  Town  for  Assistance  in 
building  a  small  House  for  Public  Worship  —  Reported, 

That  having  met  &  considered  the  same,  they  arc  of  Opinion, 
That  one  half  Part  of  the  Building  now  improved  as  a  Granary,  be 
allowed  the  Petitioners  by  them  to  be  used  &  improv'd  as  a  Place 
for  the  public  Worship  of  God.  the  same  to  be  leased  to  them 
for  such  a  Term  of  Years,  &  upon  Conditions  as  the  Town  shall 
think  proper  —  The  Coiliittee  would  beg  Leave  to  recolilend,  that 
a  Brief  be  sent  to  the  Ministers  of  the  several  Churches  &  Congre- 
gations, in  the  Town  for  farther  Aid  and  Assistance  to  the  Peti- 
tioners, by  a  public  ContriI)ution  in  the  several  Churches  &  Congre- 
gations, an  Estimate  being  first  made  of  the  Sum  necessary  to  be 
raised  for  the  Relief  of  the  Petitioners. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read,  and  some  Debate  had 
thereon,  it  was  voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  of  said  Re- 
port be  referr'd  over  to  May  Meeting  &  that  the  same  be  inserted 
in  the  Warrant  that  shall  be  issued  tor  said  Meeting 

[530,]  The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up  a  Vote  of 
Thanks  to  M'.  John  Boylston  Merchant  in  Loudon,  for  his  Ser- 
vices to  this  Town  in  purchasing  a  Number  of  Lamps  &  shipping 
them  from  London,  —  Reported  the  following  Draft 

John  Rowe  Esq.  Chairman  of  the  Corriittec,  appointed  the  5*.  day 
of  May  1773  to  procure  Lamps  &*=.  from  London  to  be  fixt  in  such 
parts  of  the  Town,  as  said  Cornittee  should  judge  proper  for  en- 
lightening the  same,  made  Report  of  their  Proceedings  in  Writing 
thereon  ;  &  at  the  same  Time  informed  the  Town,  that  the  said 
Coinittce  had  employed  IVP.  John  Boylston,  late  of  this  Town 
Merchant,  now    residing  in  London,  to   purchase  said  Lamps  — 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1774.  1G5 

That  M"".  Rojlston  very  readily  &  chearfully  undertook  this  Ser- 
vice —  That  he  purchased  the  Lamps  veiy  cheap  —  That  he  took 
great  Care  in  the  Packing  &  shipping  of  them — &  got  them  trans- 
ported &  shipped  from  London  free  of  Freight  and  that  he  will 
not  accept  of  any  Cornission  for  his  Trouble  in  this  Affair,  nor  for 
some  E-xpence  he  has  been  at  in  Transacting  the  same 

The  Town  taking  this  Representation  into  their  Consideration,  & 
having  a  grateful  sense  of  M^  Boylston's  great  Care  &  Generosity 
in  this  Affair,  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 
are  given  to  M'^.  Boylston  for  the  same. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read,  the  Question  w^as  put. 
Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted — Passed  in  the  Affermative 
unanimously.     Also  Voted 

that  William  Phillips  Esq. 
John  Rowe  Esq. 
Elzekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Cohiittee  to  transmit  the  foregoing 
Vote,  attested  by  the  Town  Clerk  to  the  said  M'.  Boylston  as  soon 
as  may  be. 

[501.]  Upon  a  motion  made.  Voted,  that  John  Rowe  Esq.  be 
desired  to  write  M'.  Boylston  that  the  Ballance  remaining  in  his 
Hands  may  be  sent  in  Lamps  so  soon  as  conveniently  may  be 

John  Rowe  Esq.  having  offered  in  this  Meeting  to  allow  the 
Town  Twenty  Shillings  p  hundred  for  all  the  Oakum  remaining  in 
his  hands,  of  that  which  was  sent  by  M"".  Boylston,  it  was  Voted, 
that  this  Offer  be  accepted,  &  that  M"".  Rowe  be  desired  to  pay  the 
Amount  thereof  to  M''.  Town  Treasurer 

The  Town  Clerk  having  laid  before  the  Town,  the  Doings  of  his 
Majesty's  Justices,  &  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  of  Boston,  to- 
gether with  the  Return  of  the  Jury  appointed  to  make  Assessments 
&".  relative  to  the  new  Street  in  Paddy's  Alley  —  Voted,  That  the 
Clerk  be  directed  to  record  the  same  in  the  Town  Book  of  Recoi'd 
■ —  Mem°.  all  on  File — see  Page  552  — 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Fire  Ward  in  the  room 
of  the  Hon'''®.  John  Hancock  Esq.  who  has  declined  serving  on 
Account  of  his  Health ;  &  upon  sorting  the  same  it  appeared 
that 

Ezekiel  Cheever  Esq. 
was  chosen  a  Fire  Ward  for  the  Year  ensuing 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  for  March  Meeting,  Viz*.  "  Whether 
the  Town  will  purchase  the  Buildings  erected  by  M'.  Robert  Pier- 
point  on  the  Town  Land  adjoining  to  the  Fortification,"  being  re- 
ferr'd  over  for  Consideration  to  this  Meeting,  the  same  was  taken 
up  by  the  Town,  and  after  some  Debate  had  thereon, 
Voted,  that  William  Phillips  Esq. 
M^  Edward  Payne 
Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
M'.  Alexander  Hill 
M'.  Ezekiel  Price 

[503.]  Be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Comittee  to  take  this 
Article  of  the  Warrant  into  Consideration  &  report  their  Opinion 
relative  thereto  at  the  General  Town  Meeting  in  May  next 


166  City  Document  No.  91. 

M''.  Alexander  Edwards,  who  was  chosen  one  of  the  Wardens 
for  the  ensuing  Year,  having  declined  serving  in  that  Office,  was 

accordingly  excused  by  the  Town. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Warden  and  upon  sorting 
them,  it  appeared,  that 

Cap'.  Andrew  Symmes  jun^ 

was  chosen  a  Warden  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Agreeable  to  the  Venire  for  the  Choice  of  Jurymen  for  April 
Court,  received  from  the  Clerk  of  Sessions,  the  Town  proceeded  to 
the  Choice  of  Six  Jurors,  by  drawing  them  out  of  the  Box,  when, 
M^  John  Box  jun^ 
William  Wane 
Benjamin  Andrews  jun"". 
John  M'=Clane 
Edward  Winter  Calf 
Joseph  Richardson 
were  drawn  Jurors  for  April  Court,  &  the  Venire,  with  the  Names 

of  those  Persons  were  given  to  one  of  the  Constables. 

Voted,  That  all  Matters  &  things,  which  remain  unfinislied  at  this 
Meeting  be  referred  over  to  the  next  General  Town  Meeting  be 

then  considered  of,  &  acted  upon 

Voted,  unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 
are  given  to  William  Phillips  Esq.  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting, 

for  his  good  Services  therein. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

[503.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Wednesday  the  10*. 
day  of  May  1774. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  M^  John  Lathrop. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 

Sundry  Laws read 

M^  Timothy  Newell,  one  of  the  Selectmen  proposed,  in  their 
Names,  to  the  assembled  Inhabitants,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of 
One,  or  more  Persons  to  represent  them  in  the  Great  &  General 
Court  or  Assembly,  to  be  held  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston, 
upon  Wednesday  the  25'*^.  day  of  May  Current,  &  in  order  thereto 
to  consider,  &  ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected : 
Accordingly  it  was  Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Four  Rep- 
resentatives, &  then  it  was  declared  b}'  the  Selectmen  That  no 
Votes  will  be  received  but  such  as  are  unfolded  ;  and  that  Ihey 
propose  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  12  O'Clock 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  for  Four  Representatives  the  Num- 
ber of  the  same  was  found  to  be  five  hundred  and  thirty  Six,  & 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  four  following  Gentlemen 
were  chosen  —  Viz'. 

The  Hon'"^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 524 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 535 

The  Hon'^'^  John  Hancock  Esq. 536 

William  Phillips  Esq. 534 

The  Choice  of  Representatives  beiiig  over,  &  declared  by  the 
Selectmen,  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw,  &  bring  in 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  167 

their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  in  Order  that  the 
Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs  mentioned  in 
the  Warrant  [504,]  Accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew,  & 
brought  in  their  Votes,  &  upon  sorting  tliem  it  appeared  that  M''. 

Samuel  Adams  was  chosen 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz*.  "Whether  the  Inhabitants 
will  give  Instructions  to  the  Representatives  that  may  be  chosen," 
was  read  —  and  4  O'Clock  Afternoon  was  assigned  for  the  Con- 
sideration of  said  Article. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

To  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  Town 
Meeting  assembled  May  10"".   1774. 

Pursuant  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  at  their  annual 
Meeting  the  5"^.  day  of  May  last,  desiring  the  Selectmen  to  visit 
the  public  Schools  in  the  Town,  &  to  invite  such  Gentlemen  to 
accompany  them  therein,  as  the}^  shall  think  proper,  &  to  report 

thereon. 

We,  the  Subscribers  accordingly  attended  that  Service  on  the 
7*.  day  of  July  lust,  &  the  following  Gentlemen  were  invited  to 
accompany  us  therein.  Viz'. 

The  Hon'''^  John  Ervin  Esq. 

James  Bowdoin  Esq. 

Samuel  Pitts  Esq. 

D"".  John  Winthrop 

The  Representatives  of  the  Town 

The  Overseers  of  the  Poor 

The  Town  Treasurer 

The  Rev'^.  Charles  Chauncey  D.D. 

Mather  By les  D.D. 

Andrew  Eliot  D.D. 

Samuel  Cooper  D.D. 

Ebenezer  Pemberton  D.D. 

Samuel  Mather  D.D. 
[505.]  John  Hunt ' 

John  Bacon 

John  Lathrop 

Simeon  Howard 

M^  How 

M^  Gordon  of  Roxbury 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

M".  William  Payne 

M"".  John  Leach 

M'.  Benj".  Goodwin 

M'.  John  Boynton 

M^  Samuel  Eliot 

M"".  John  Scollay  jua'. 

Thomas  Brattle  Esq. 

John  Missling  Esq.  of  Philadelphia 

M"".  Nathaniel  Appleton 

M"^.  Henderson  Inches 

Isaac  Smith  Esq. 

Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 


> 


168  City  Document  No.  91 

M^  Alexander  Hill 

Cap'.  Fortisque  Vernon 
.    Cap'.  S(jlomon  Davis 

Benj''.  Kent  ICsq. 

Joseph  Scott  Es;q. 

Cap'.  John  Bradford 

John  Adams  Esq. 

M^  Moses  Gill 

D"".  Belcher  Noyes 

]VF.  Jon*.  Amory 

D'.  Benj^  Church 

Cap'.  Mackay 

D^  Tliomas  Bulfinch 

D"^.  John  Greenleaf 

M'.  Josiah  Quincy 

John  Phillips  Esq. 

M"'.  Henry  Bromfield 

D^  Joseph  Warren 

Major  Thomas  Daws 
[506.]  M^  Michael  Homer 

M^  Henry  Laiighton 

Col.  John  Erving 

John  Feuton  Esq. 

M^  William  Dennie 

M"".  William  Mollineux 
and  found  the  South  Grammar  School  had  139  SchollarsThe  North 
Grammar    School  60   Scholars  The    North    Writing    School   240 
Scholars :  The  writing  School  in  Queen  Street  2b0  Scholars,  all  in 
very  good  Order 

John  Scollay         ^  <« 
Timothy  Newell    !  £| 
Thomas  Marshall  (  || 
John  Pitts  j  1 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be,  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  to 
act  upon  the  List  of  Jurors. 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  consider  that  Article  in  the  Warrant, 
Viz'.  "  Whether  the  Town  will  purchase  the  Buildings  erected  by 
M^  Robert  Pierpoint  in  the  Town's  Lands  jidjoining  to  the  Forti- 
fication," Report,  That  they  have  viewed  the  Town's  Lands  near 
the  Fortification,  &  the  Buildings  erected  thereon  by  M'.  Peirpoint 
&  upon  mature  Consideration,  are  of  Opinion,  that  it  will  not  be 
for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  purchase  said  Buildings. 

The  CorTiitte  would  farther  report,  that  they  have  measured  the 
Town's  Lands,  &  find  that  there  is  Sixty  thi-ee  feet  without  the 
Gate  in  Length,  within  the  Bastions  Forty  two  feet  in  Length, 
within  the  Gate,  which  is  improved  by  M'.  Robert  Pierpoint  on 
the  west  side,  &  Sixty  nine  feet  in  Length  on  the  East  Side,  as 
also  Ninety  two  feet  on  the  West  Side  in  length,  that  is  improved 
by  Mess".  Tuckermau,  Blake  &  Faxon,  &  Sixty  two  f(;et  on  the 
East  Side  in  Length,  that  is  impioved  by  Mess".  Davis  &  Curtis  ; 
that  those  Lands  at  present  fetch  in  but  a  Small  Rent,  tho'.  iu  the 


Boston  Town  Records,   1774.  169 

Opinion  of  the  Coinittee  said  Lands  are  of  a  considerate  Value,  & 

if  said  may  be  much  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town. 

All  which  is  submitted,  in  tlie  Name  of  the  Coraittee 

W**.  Phillips,  p  Order. 
[507.]     The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered, 
whereupon  Voted,  that  the  same  be  so  far  accepted,  as  it  will  not 

be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town  to  purchase  said  Buildings, 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.,  "  What  is  proper  to  be  done 
with  the  Lands  belonging  to  the  Town,  adjoining  to  the  Fortifi- 
cation, &  ivitliin  the  same  on  both  Sides  the  Street,  was  read,  & 
Debate  had  thereon  —  whereupon  moved,  &  Voted,  that  a  Cofnittee 
of  Eleven  Persons  be  raised,  to  consider  of  the  State  of  all  the 
Lands  of  the  Town,  both  within  &  without  the  Fortification  &  near 
adjoining  thereto,  &  that  said  Committee  be  impowered  &  directed 
to  make  Entry  on  all,  or  any  Part  of  said  Lands,  and  thereof  to 
take  full  Seizin  &  Possession,  in  the  Name  &  Behalf  of  the  Town ; 
&  in  Case  all,  or  any  of  the  Trespassers  or  Occupiers  —  thereof 
are  willing  to  surrender,  or  Compromise  with  the  Town,  that  such 
CoiSittee  be  impowered  to  comply  with  all  reasonable  Offers,  at 
the  Direction  of  said  Comittee,  so  as  that  they  do  not  proceed  to 
alienate  any  Part  of  the  Premisses  in  Fee  for  Life  or  Years  —  also 
Voted,  that  John  Scollay  Esq. 

The  Hon'''*.  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M^  Timothy  Newell 

Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

M^  Samuel  Austin 

M'.  Oliver  Wendell 

M^  John  Pitts 

Josiah  Quincey  Esq. 

John  Adams  Esq. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Comittee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid. 
Tliat  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  Whether  the  Town  will 
give  Instructions  to  the  Gentlemen,  that  may  be  chosen  to  repre- 
sent them  in  the  next  General  Assembly,"  was  read  —  and  con- 
sidered, whereupon  Voted,  that 

D"".  Benjamin  Church 

John  Adams  Esq. 

D''.  Joseph  Warren 
[508.]  Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 

Josiah  Quincey  Esq. 

D''.  Young 

M''.  James  Lovel 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee  to  prepare  Instructions  to 
our  Representatives,  and  report  at  the  Adjournment 

The  Report  of  the  Coiiiittee  on  the  Rev*^.  M^  Hartwick's  Peti- 
tion laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Coinittee  to  whom  said  Petition 
was  referred  at  the  March  Meeting  which  Report  is  to  be  consid- 
ered at  this  Time,  was  again  read  ;  &  the  further  Consideration 
referred,  till  the  Report  of  the  Coinittee  on  the  State  of  the  Gran 
ary  be  laid  before  the  Town. 


170  City  Docujment  No.  91. 

The  Comittee  appointed  the  14*.  of  March  last,  to  examine  into 
the  State  of  the  Granary,  &  report  the  same,  &  also  their  Opinion, 
whether  it  will  be  expedient  for  the  Town  to  continue  the  same 
now ;  Report, 

That  they  have,  so  far  as  it  was  in  their  Power,  examined  into 
the  State  of  the  Granary,  &  cannot  find  that  any  regular  Accompts, 
or  Entries  have  been  made  in  any  Books,  either  by  the  Purchasers 
of  Giain  or  by  the  Keeper  of  the  Granary,  of  the  Quantities  of  Grain 
bought  in  each  Year  ;  therefore  cannot  ascertain  the  Gain  or  Loss 

in  the  Measure. 

The  Comittee  have  examined  so  far  back  as  they  were  able,  & 
find  by  the  Papers  laid  before  them,  by  M^  John  Fenno,  Keeper 
of  the  Granary,  that  the  Quantity  of  Corn  &  Rye,  purchased  by 
the  Coihittee  from  March  1769  to  March  1774  amounted  to  5836 
Bushells,  &  that  he  had  sold  out  in  that  time  5060  Bushells,  & 
there  then  remained  in  his  hands  onl}^  376  Bushells,  by  which  it 
appears  there  was  a  Loss  in  the  Measure  of  the  Corn  of  400  Bush- 
ells which  is  7  p  Cent,  but  there  was  no  Loss  in  the  Rye 

[509.]  The  Committee  have  also  examined  the  Amounts  of 
the  Charges  that  have  arisen  for  the  last  five  Years,  &  find  that  the 
Measuring,  Carting,  Keeper's  Allowance  &^.  amount  to  £238  ,, 
10  ,,  1  lawful  Money,  which  is  Six  Shillings  &  Six  Pence  half  penny 
old  Tenor  p.  Bushell  on  the  whole  quantity  that  was  purchased  in 
said  five  Years,  exclusive  of  the  400  Bushells  lost  in  the  Mea«;ure, 
which  being  added  makes  it  8|  old  Tenor  p  Bushell  on  the  whole 
quantity  laid  in  the  last  five  Years.  The  quantity  sold  last  Year 
was  only  605  Bushells,  &  the  Town  Stock  being  now  so  very  small, 
and  the  Keeper's  Salary  &  Allowance,  with  other  Expences  being 
so  great,  out  of  such  a  Stock,  the  Comittee  are  of  Opinion,  that  it 
will  not  be  for  the  Interest  of  the  Town,  to  keep  said  Granary 
opeu  the  remainder  of  the  Year,  under  the  present  Regula- 
tions   

The  Committee  would  inform  the  Town,  that  upon  Examination 
into  the  State  of  the  Granary,  they  find,  that  in  March  in  the 
Year  1752,  they  had  a  Stock  of  £380  ,,  18  ,,  1  which,  in  ten  Years, 
viz',  in  March  1762  encreased  to  £486  „  15  ,,  3  lawful  Money, 
over  &  above  all  Charges,  but  since  it  has  been  annually  decreas- 
ing, till  now  it  is  reduced  to  about  £150  The  Reasons  for 

which,  the  Committee,  after  a  very  strict  Enquiry  cannot  assign. 
—  All  which  is  submitted  by 

ezekiel   goldthwait 
William  Whitwel 
John  Rowe 
Alexander  Hill 
Edward  Payne 

Which  Report  being  accepted  by  the  Town 

On  a  Motion  made  &  seconded.  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be, 
&  hereby  are  directed  and  impowered  to  lend  M''.  Johu  Fenno  the 
Stock  of  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town,  now  in  the  Granary,  at  the 
Market  Price,  as  also  the  Money  belonging  to  the  Town,  now  in  the 
hands  of  the  said  Fenno,  the  Selectmen  taking  Security  for  the  Pay- 
ment of  the  whole  in  the  Month  of  March  next ;  —  [510.]  W. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  171 

Fenno  keeping  the  Granary  always  open  on  the  usual  Days,  &  hav- 
ing Liberty  to  open  the  same  upon  such  other  Days  as  he  may 

think  proper. 

October  6*  1790 

The  Select  Men  having  examined  the  Acco*^  of  M^  Fenno  are 
of  opinion  that  there  is  nothing  due  from  M^  Fenno  to  town 

By  order  John  Scollat 

Also  Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Coraittee  on  the  tate  of  the 
Granary,  be  desired  to  set  again,  &  that  they  consider  of  a  proper 
Place  for  the  future  Regulations  of  a  Town  Granary  ;  as  also  to 
receive  such  Proposals  or  Plans  us  may  be  made  &  given  in,  &  to 
Report  next  March  Meeting 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  Reverend  M'".  Hartwick's 
Petition,  read  again,  and  after  considerable  Debate  had 
thereon  

Voted,  that  the  Petitioner  have  Leave  to  withdraw  his  Peti- 
tion.   

The  Petition  of  M'.  David  Jeffries,  Town  Treasurer,  praying  an 
Allowance  for  Reasons  set  forth  in  said  Petition,  was  read  &  con- 
sidered ;  whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Thirty  Pounds  p  Annum  be  added  to 
the  Town  Treasurer's  annual  Salary 

The  Petition  of  M'.  George  Leonard,  "for  Liberty  to  erect  a 
Grist-Mill,  or  Mills  on  Fort-Hill,  on  a  new  Construction  &  to  build 
proper  Rollers  for  the  Breaking  of  Matt,  the  Usefulness  of  which 
LTndertaking  is  set  forth  in  said  Petition  ;  "  was  read,  &  after 
debate  had  thereon,  the  Question  was  put,  "  Whether  the  Prayer 
of  said  Petition  be  granted,  —  which  passed  in  the  Negative 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  the  Question  was  put  — 
Whether  the  said  Petition  of  M''.  George  Leonard  be  dismissed  — 
Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  10 
O'clock  A.  M. 

[511.]  Fryday  May  13^  1774  —  10  O'Clock  A.  M.  met  Met 
according  to  Adjournment 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "Whether  there  shall  be  a 
Survey  made,  &  a  Plan  drawn  of  all  the  Town's  Lands,"  was 
read,  whereupon  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  that  Article  be 
referred  to  next  March  Meeting 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  viz'.  "  Whether  the  Selectmen 
shall  be  impowered  to  appoint  one  or  moi-e  Persons  to  prevent 
firing  small  Arms  on  the  Neck,  whereby  the  Limbs  &  Lives  of  the 
Inhabitants,  have  been  greatly  endangered  ;  &  also  to  remove  any 
Incumbrances  or  Nuisances,  which  may  hereafter  be  laid  thei*eon," 
was  read  &  considered  ;  whereupon 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  instructed  to  impower  a  suitable 
Person  to  see  that  the  Laws  are  carried  into  Execution  against 
those  who  shall  presume  to  discharge  Fire  Arms  on  Boston  Neck, 
or  shall  lay  an}^  Incumbrances  thereon 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  The  Petition  of  a  Number 
of  the  Inhabitants,  That  a  public  Well  may  be  dug,  &  a  Pump 
fixed  upon  Dock  Square,  for  the  further  Preservation  of  the  Town 


172  City  Document  No.  91. 

from   Fire ;    &  the  Accomodation   of    the    Inhabitants    in    that 
Neighbourhood  with  Water,"  was  read,  whereupon,  Voted,  that 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
John  Leveret  Esq. 
M"".  Jonathan  Mason 
Jonathan  Williams  Esq 
_  M'.  William  Whitwel 

be  a  Comittee   to   take   the    Petition   into   Consideration,  &    to 
report  at  next  March  Meeting 

[513.]  Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of 
Schoolmaster's  Salaries,  &  all  other  Salaries  &  Grants,  be  referred 
to  the  first  Monday  of  July  next  10  O'Clock. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  That  the  Grant  of  Monies  for 
Town  Charges  be  referred  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting • 

The  Petition  of  M"".  Samuel  Holbrook,  Master  of  the  South 
Writing  School,  "  That  he  may  be  considered  in  the  Article  of 
House  Rent,  &  allowed  for  Providing  Assistance  —  what  was 
granted  to  late  Ushers,"  whereupon 

Voted  That  the  Consideration  of  this  Petition  be  referred  to  the 
Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  determine  upon  proper 
Methods  for  preserving  Beacon  Hill,"  was  read 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  hereof  be  referred  to  the  Ad- 
adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  that  all  Matters  & 
Things,  not  acted  upon,  be  referred  to  the  Adjournment  of  this 
Meeting. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be,  and  hereby  is  adjourned  to  the  1"*. 
Monday  of  July  next  10  O'Clock 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Fryday  the  13'^.  Day  of 
May  11  O'clock 

[513.]     Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  read. 
The  Town  was  desired  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator 
of  this  Meeting,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  M"".  Samuel 

Adams  was  chosen 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  opened  with 
Prayer,  &  that  the  following  Gentlemen,  Viz'. 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
Joseph  Jackson  Esq. 
John  Barrett  Esq. 
Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
M'.  William  Whitwel 
be  a  Comittee  to  wait  upon  D"'.  Cooper  &  acquaint  him  that  it  is 
the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  he  would  open  this  Meeting  with 
Prayer ;  &  in  Case  he  should  not  be  readily  found,  that  they  then 
invite  D^  Chauucey,  or  any  other  Minister  they  shall  think  proper 

to  perform  that  Service 

Voted,  That  the  Port  Bill  be  read,  and  it  was  read  accord- 
ingly   


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  173 

The  Committee  to  wait  on  D'.  Cooper  Reported  that  they  had 
informed  him  of  tlie  Request  of  the  Town,  &  had  received  for 
Answer,  That  tho'  he  was  just  returned  fatigued  from  a  Journe}', 
he  would  yet  comply  with  the  Orders  of  the  Town  in  giving  his  im- 
mediate Attendance 

Prayer  was  made  by  tlie  rev^.  D'.  Cooper  agreable  to  the  Re- 
quest of  the  Town 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  viz'.  "  To  consider  what  Measures 
are  proper  to  be  taken  upon  the  present  Exigency  of  our  public 
Affairs,  more  especially'  relative  to  the  late  Edict  of  a  British  Par- 
liament for  Blocking  up  the  Harbor  of  Boston,  &  annihilating  the 
Trade  of  this  Town,"  was  read  —  whereupon  a  Motion  was  made, 
"  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  [514»]  Take  the  Act  of 
Parliament  referred  to  into  Consideration  and  Report  their  Sense 
of  what  Measures  are  proper  to  be  taken  upon  the  present  Exi- 
gency   

After  some  Debate  upon  the  Motion  made,  it  was  moved  & 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.  M. 

3  O'clock  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Motion  for  a  Committee  to  take  into  Consideration  the  Act, 

intitled  the  Boston  Port-Bill,  was  again  taken  up ■ 

By   Order    of    the    Town    a    Letter    from     Marblehead    was 

read. 

A  Motion  made  for  a  Committee  to  write  a  Circular  Letter  to 
the  several  Towns  of  this  Province,  &  to  the  several  Colonies,  ac- 
quainting them  with  the  present  State  of  our  Affairs. 

Moved  &  Voted,  Nem.  Cont.  that 

M*".  Samuel  Adams 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

Thomas  Boylston  Esq. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

D"".  Joseph  Warren 

John  Adams  Esq. 

Josiah  Quincey  Esq. 

The  Hon**'*.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 

M"".  Henderson  Inches 

M^  William  MoUineux 

M''.  Nathaniel  Appleton 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  take  the  several  Pro- 
posals, that  have  been  made,  &  others  that  may  be  made,  relative 
to  our  Conduct  on  the  present  Exigency,  into  their  Consideration, 
&  report,  as  soon  as  may  be,  their  Opinion 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  Nem.  Cont.  that  a  Cornittee  be  ap- 
pointed to  repair  to  the  Town  of  Salem  and  [515.]  Marblehead,  to 
communicate  with  them  upon  the  present  Exigency  of  Affairs,  and 
that 

M'.  Oliver  Wendell 

M'.  John  Pitts 

M^  William  Dennie 

M^  William  Powell 

M'.  Isaac  Smith 


174  City  Document  No.  91- 

be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coraittee  to  take  that  Pur- 
pose   

jNP.  Edward  Pa^'ne  Merchant  informing  the  Town  that  he  was 
upon  setting  out  on  a  Journey  Eastward  —  he  was  desired  to  exert 
himself  to  promote  the  Success  of  said  Committee 

Voted,  that  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  be  desired  to  dis- 
patch Messengers  witii  all  possible  Speed  to  the  other  Colonies,  & 
the  several  Towns  in  this  Province,  charged  with  the  Letters  & 
they  have  wrote  relative  to  shutting  up  this  Harbour  &c 

Upon  a  Motion  made  the  Letters  wrote  by  the  Committee  of 
Correspondence  to  the  several  Towns  in  this  Province  on  the  Sub- 
ject aforementioned,  were  read 

Voted,  Nem.  Con.  that  it  is  the  Opinion  of  this  Town,  that  if 
the  other  Colonies  come  into  a  joint  ResDlution,  to  stop  all  Impor- 
tations from  Great  Britain  &  Exportations  to  Great  Britain,  & 
every  part  of  the  West  Indies,  till  the  Act  for  Blocking  up  this 
Harbor  be  repealed,  the  same  will  prove  the  Salvation  of  North 
America  &  ber  Liberties :  On  the  other  Hand,  if  they  continue 
their  Exports  &  Imports,  there  is  high  Reason  to  fear,  that  Fraud, 
Power  &  the  most  Odious  Oppression,  will  rise  triumphant  over 
Right,  Justice,  Social  Happiness  &  Freedom  —  And  moreover, 
that  this  Vote  be  forthwith  transmitted  by  the  Moderator  to  all  our 
Sister  Colonies  in  the  Name  &  behalf  of  this  Town 

Also  Voted,  That  the  Moderator  be  desired  to  when  he  trans- 
mits the  foregoing  Vote,  to  give  a  Narrative  of  the  News  &  Intel- 
ligence we  have  lately,  &  this  Day  received,  and  [516.]  The 
Town  Clerk  is  directed  to  serve  the  Committee  of  Correspondence 
for  Salem  v^ith  a  Cop3'  of  this  Vote. 

A  Motion  made  &  passed,  that  every  Gentleman,  who  has 
Friends  &  Correspondents  in  the  other  Sea  Poi-t  Towns  &  the  Col- 
onies, that  they  be  desired  to  write  Letters  to  such  Correspond- 
ents, strongly  recommending  tlieir  coming  into  the  Measures  of 
this  Vote. 

The  Gentlemen  of  Rhode  Island  Government  in  the  Meeting, 
were  desired  to  use  their  Influence  ;  that  their  Province  may  second 
the  Measures  of  this  Town  in  the  present  Exigency 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next, 
being  the  18'\  Instant,  10  OClock  A.M. 

Wednesday  May  18'^.  1774,  10  O'Clock  A.M.  met  according  to 
Adjournment 

The  Coihittee  appointed  by  this  Town,  "  To  repair  to  Marble- 
head  &  Salem  to  Communicate  to  them  on  the  present  Exigency 
of  Affairs,"  Do  report,  That  they  proceeded  on  that  Business,  & 
discoursed  with  the  Selectmen  &  other  Gentlemen  of  both  Towns, 
who  discovered  a  Disposition  to  aid  &  suppoit  us  in  the  present 
Struggle  for  our  invatled  Rights  ;  &  for  that  Purpose  the  Select- 
men of  each  Town  gave  their  Assurance,  that  their  respective 
Towns  would  have  a  Meeting  forthwith  ;  the  Result  of  which  they 
would  immediately  forward  to  the  Selectmen  of  Boston. 

Oliver  Wendell  P.  Order 

The  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  laid  before  the  Town  a  Letter  sent 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  175 

him  by  M'.  James  Bois  of  Milton,  in  which  he  makes  an  Offer  to 
the  Town  of  the  Use  of  his  Slitting  Mills  at  Milton,  &  the  Utensils 
belonging  to  the  same,  for  the  Employment  of  our  Placksmiths 
"  during  the  Blockade  of  Boston,"  b}'  a  British  Fleet  &  Army  & 
the  same  having  been  read 

[517.]  Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be, 
&  they  hereby  are  given  to  M'.  James  Bois  for  his  kind  Offer  of  the 
Slitting  Mill  &  Utensils,  upon  the  present  Emergencies  of  the  In- 
habitants   

The  Coihittee  appointed  on  Fryday  last  to  receive  Proposals  &c 
Report  verbally  that  they  had  received  several  Proposals  &  plans, 
which  appeared  to  them  very  likely  to  promote  the  Ease  of  those 
Inhabitants  who  may  be  brought  into  Disti'ess  by  the  Operation  of 
the  detested  Port-Bill  but  that  not  having  had  time  to  digest  those 
Plans,  they  asked  Leave  to  sot  again,  &  report  at  the  Adjournment, 
when  having  heard  from  the  other  Colonies,  they  will  be  better  abl3 
to  make  said  Report. 

The  Town  Clerk  was  directed  to  desire  the  Hon'''^.  Thomas  Gush- 
ing Esq.  to  attend  with  Part  of  a  written  Report  of  the  Committee 
to  receive  Proposals  &c 

The  Moderator  informed  the  Inhabitants  that  agreable  to  the 
Order  of  the  Town  he  had  enclosed  an  attested  Copy  of  Town  Votes 
in  Letters  to  the  several  Provinces,  by  M^  Reviere,  who  set  out 
last  Satunlay,  &  that  he  should  forward  Copies  as  Opportunities 
presented 

M"".  Speaker  Cushing  attended  &  informed  the  Town  that  he  had 
not  written  Report  of  the  CoiSittees  ;  on  Ways  &  Means 

An  Act  of  the  British  Parliament  was  read  entitled,  an  Act  to  dis- 
continue, in  such  Manner,  &  for  such  Time,  as  are  therein  men- 
tioned, the  Landing  and  discharging,  loading  or  Shipping  of 
Goods,  Ware  &  Merchandize,  at  the  Town  within  the  Harbor  of 
Boston,  in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  North  America 
—  and  thereupon  Voted  ;  unanimously,  P'.  That  the  Trade  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  has  been  an  essential  Link  in  that  vast  Chain  of 
Commerce,  which  in  the  Course  of  a  few  Ages,  has  raised  New 
England  to  be  what  it  is,  the  Southern  Provinces  to  be  what  they 
are,  the  West  India  Islands  to  their  Wealth  &,  in  One  Word,  the 
British  Empire,  to  that  Height  of  Opulence,  Power,  Pride  &  Splen- 
dor, at  which  it  now  stands.  —  2'^.  That  the  Impolicy,  Injustice,  In- 
humanity, &  Cruelty,  of  the  Act  aforesaid,  exceed  all  our  Powers 
of  Expression  &  Conception,  we  therefore  leave  it  to  the  just  Cen- 
sure of  others,  &  appeal  to  God  &  the  World. 

Also  Voted,  That  the  above  Notes  be  entered  upon  the  Records 
of  the  Town 

Voted,  that  the  Comittee  to  receive  Proposals  and  Plans,  &  to 
consult  Ways  &  means  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  be  desired  to 
sit  again. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  30'*^.  In- 
stant 10  O'Clock  A.M. 

May  SO"'.    1774.      10    O'Clock.      Met  according   to   Adjourn 
ment. 


176  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Committee  to  receive  Proposals  &  to  coDsidcr  of  Wa3-3  & 
Means  to  employ  the  Poor,  acquaint  the  Town,  they  they  were 
not  able  to  report  at  present  —  they  were  therefore  desired  to  sit 
again. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  That  when  this  Meetimg  be  ad- 
journed, it  shall  be  toFryday  the  17"".  day  of  June  10  O'Clock. 


Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  That  the  Cotiiittee  appointed  to 
receive  Proposals  &  consider  of  Ways  &  Means,  be  desired  to 
prepare  a  Paper,  to  be  carried  to  each  Family  in  the  Town,  the 
Report  of  which  to  be,  not  to  purchase  any  Articles  of  British 
Manufactures,  that  can  be  obtained  among  Ourselves,  &  that  they 
will  purchase  Nothing  of,  but  totally  desert  those  who  shall  Coun- 
ter-work the  Salutary  INIeasures  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Coinittee  of  Correspondence  be  &  hereby  are 
directed,  to  comunicate  the  Non  Consumption  Agreement  afore- 
said to  the  other  Towns  in  the  Province. 

Adjourned  to  June  17.     10  O'Clock  Forenoon  

[519,]  June  17"^.  10  O'Clock,  Town  met  agreeable  to  the 
Adjournment  of  the  above  Meeting,  from  30'''.  May  to  this  day. 

M"".  Samuel  Adams  the  Moderator,  being  at  Salem,  attending 
the  Business  of  the  General  Court,  the  Town  proceeded  to  the 
Choice  of  a  Pro  Tempore  Moderator,  when  the  Hon'^'^.  James 
Bowdoin  Esq.  was  chosen  unanamously  ;  and  a  Commiltee  of  three 
Gentlemen  was  sent  to  inform  him,  who  Reported,  that  he  was 
from  Home  —  John  Rowe  Esq.  was  then  chosen,  but  Business  pre- 
venting his  Attendance,  the  Votes,  it  appeared,  tiiat  the  Hon'''''. 
John  Adams  Esq.  was  chosen,  and  being  informed  of  it  by  the 
above  Committee,  he  gave  his  Attendance  accordingly. 

D"".  Warren,  one  of  the  Coinittee  on  Ways  &  Means,  acquainted 
the  Town,  that  tliey  thought  it  best  to  defer  making  Report,  till 
they  had  heard  from  the  other  Governments,  whereupon  they  were 
directed  to  set  again. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  the  Town  again  entered  into  the  Consider- 
ation of  the  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.,  "  To  consider  &  deter- 
mine what  Measures  are  proper  to  be  taken  upon  the  present 
Exigency  of  our  public  Affairs,  more  especially  relative  to  the  late 
Edict  of  the  British  Parliament  for  Bocking  up  the  Harbour  of 
Boston,  &  annihilating  the  Trade  of  this  Town,"  and  after  very 
serious  Debates  thereon 

Voted,  (with  only  one  Dissentient)  That  the  Comittee  of  Cor- 
respondence be  enjoined  forthwith  to  write  to  all  the  other  Colonies, 
acquainting  Ihem  that  we  are  not  idle,  that  we  are  deliberating 
upon  Ihe  Steps  to  be  taken  on  the  pi'esent  Exigencies  of  our  public 
Affairs  ;  that  our  Brethren  the  landed  Interest  of  the  Province, 
with  an  unexampled  Spirit  and  Unanimity,  are  entring  into  a  Non- 
Consumption  agreement ;  [530,]  And  that  we  are  waiting  with 
anxious  Expectation  for  the  Result  of  a  Continental  Congress  ; 
whose  Meeting  we  impatiently  desire,  &  in  whose  Wisdom  & 
Firmness  we  can  Confide,  &  in  whose  Determinations  we  shall 
chearfuUy  acquiesce 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.  M. • 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  177 

3  O'clock  P.  M.    Met  according  to  Adjournm'. 

Agreeable  to  Order  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  laid  bsfore 
the  Town  such  Letters  as  they  had  received  in  Answer  to  the  Cir- 
cular Letter,  wrote  by  them  to  the  several  Colonies,  &  also  to  the 
Sea-Port  Towns  in  this  Province,  since  the  Receipt  of  the  Boston 
Port  Bill,  &  the  same  being  publlckly  read  —  Whereupon 

Voted,  unanimously.  That  our  warmest  Thanks  be  transmitted 
to  our  Brethren  on  the  Continent  for  that  Humanity,  Sympathy  & 
Affection,  with  which  they  have  been  inspired,  &  which  they  have 
expressed  towards  this  distressed  Town,  at  this  important  Season 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 
are  given  to  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  to  their  Faithfuhiess, 
in  the  Discharge  of  their  Trust,  &  that  they  be  desired  to  continue 
their  Vigilance  &  Activity  in  that  Service 

Whereas  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  in  the  Town  of  Boston  are  a 
Body  politic  by  Law  constituted  for  the  Receipt  &  Distribution  of 
all  charitable  Donations  for  the  use  of  the  Poor  of  said  Town  

Voted,  that  all  Grants  and  Donations  to  this  Town  &  the  Poor 
thereof  at  this  distressed  Season,  be  paid  &  Delivered  into  the 
Hands  of  the  Overseers  &  by  them  [531.]  Appropriated  &  dis- 
tributed, in  Concert  with  the  Coinittee  lately  appointed  by  this 
Town  for  the  Consideration  of  the  Ways  &  Means  of  Employing 
the  Poor  — — 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  Clerk  be  directed  to  Pub- 
lish the  Proceedings 

Adjourned  to  June  27*^.  10  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Port  Bill  adjournment. 

Met  agreeable  to  Adjournment  June  27**.  10  "Clock  A.M. 

]\P.  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 

Moved  &  seconded  that  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  be  de- 
sired to  lay  the  Letters  they  have  wrote  to  the  other  Towns  and 
Governments  since  the  Receipt  of  the  Port  Bill,  —  the  question 
being  put  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
the  Old  South  Meeting  House,  the  Hall  not  being  sufficient  to  con- 
tain all  the  Inhabitants  assembled. 

M^  William  MoUineux 
M^  William  Cooper 
D"".  Benj"^.  Church 
appointed  a  Comittee  to  wait  upon  the  Propi-ietors  Committee  of 
that  House  for  leave  to  make  Use  of  it. 

The  Town  being  again  met  according  to  Adjournment  —  A 
Motion  was  made  &  passed,  That  all  Letters  received  as  well  as 
the  Answers  returned,  be  laid  before  the  Town  and  read 

After  the  Town  Clerk  had  accordingly  read  a  Number  of  Letters, 
a  Motion  was  made  that  the  said  Vote  be  so  far  Reconsidered,  as 
that  the  Reading  of  all  other  Letters  previous  to  the  Covenant 
sent  into  the  Country  by  the  Coiniltee  of  Correspondence,  &  the 
Letters  accompanying  the  same,  be  suspended  for  the  present,  & 
that  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Reading  of  said  Letter  &  Covenant, 
&  any  other  Letters  that  may  be  particularly  called  for 


178  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  said  Covenant  &  a  Number  of  Letters  having  been  read,  a 
Motion  was  made,  that  some  Censure  bo  now  passed  [532 =]  By 
the  Town  on  the  Conduct  of  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  ;  and 
that  said  Committee  be  annihilated 

M''.  Adams,  the  Moderator,  tlieu  moved,  that  as  the  Conduct  of 
the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  for  this  Town,  of  which  he  had 
iLie  Honor  of  being  a  Member,  is  now  to  be  considered,  another 
Moderator  might  be  chosen  Pro  Tempore. 

The  Hon*^'®.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  was  accordingly  chosen  Mod- 
erator during  that  Debate 

The  Motion  for  Censuring  «&  annihilating  the  Coinii  tee  of  Cor- 
respondence was  considerd  &  tlie  Gentlemsn  in  favor  of  the  Motion 
patiently  heard ";  but  it  being  dark  ;  and  these  declaring  that  they 
had  farther  to  offer  — - 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  the  Adjourn- 
ment   

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesdiy  next  10 
O'clock . 

Tuesday  June  28.  10  O'Clock  met  according  Adjournment — — 

The  Motion  for  Censuring  &  Annihilating  the  Comittee  of  Cor- 
respondence again  Considered,  &  after  long  Debates  the  Question 
was  accordingly  put ;  which  passed  in  the  Negative  by  a  great 
Majority 

It  was  then  moved,  that  the  following  Vote  be  passed.  Viz'. 
"That  the  Town  bear  open  Testimony  that  they  are  abundantly 
satisfied  of  the  upright  Intentions,  and  much  approve  the  honest 
Zeal  of  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  &  desire  that  they  would 
persevere  with  their  usual  Activity  &  Firmness,  continuing  sted- 
fast  in  the  Way  of  well  Doing  —  And  the  Question  being  put, 
passed  in  the  Affirmative  by  a  Fasi  M ijori'y 

[523,]  The  Committee  on  Ways  &  Means  for  employing  the 
Poor  acquaint  the  Town,  that  they  had  met,  &  had  received  very 
encouraging  Accounts  of  the  Readiness  of  their  Sister  Colonies  to 
assist  us  ;  &  various  Proposals  from  Sundry  Persons  for  employing 
the  Poor,  upon  which  they  were  deliberating,  but  were  not  yet  pre- 
l^ared  to  Report  —  They  therefore  required  further  Time  to  Report, 
which  was  allowed  them 

M^  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 

A  Motion  made  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the 
19'^  of  July  10  O'clock  A  M.  to  meet  at  Faneuil  Hall,  and  ihe 
Meeting  was  adjourned  accordingly. 

May  Meeting  Adjournment 

Monday  July  4"^  10  O'Clock  Town  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment.   

Moved  &  seconded,  that  the  Vote  lately  passed,  —  referring  the 
Consideration  of  the  Petition  of  a  Nuaiber  of  the  Inhabitants, 
Thut  there  might  be  a  public  Well  on  Dock  Square,  be  now  recon- 
sidered, &  that  the  Town  now  be  Dug  &c.  after  some  Debate  the 
Motion  was  withdrawn 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded.  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of 
this  Town  be,  &  hereby  are  given  to  our  worthy  Friends  of  the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  179 

Town  of  Windham  for  their  late  generous  Donation  to  those  Peo- 
ple in  this  Town,  who  are  now  Suffering  by  the  Operation  of  the 
Boston  Port  Bill,  so  called. 

Moved  &  Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  Grants  &  Salaries 
be  referred  to  Tuesday  the  19"^  Day  of  July  9  "'Clock  A.  M. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "  To  determine  upon  proper 
Methods  for  preserving  of  Beacon  Hill,"  was  read  &  Considared, 
whereupon  a  Motion  made,  that  the  Selectmen  be  directed  &  ini- 
powered,  as  Agents  of  the  Town  to  prosecute  M^  Hudson  for 
Encroachments  on  Beacon  Hill ;  this  Motion  subsided  [5^4.] 
And  M'.  Thomas  Hudson  being  |)resent,  he  proposed  in  Order 
that-  a  final  Determination  may  be  made  relative  to  the  Dispute 
between  him  &  the  Town  about  Beacon  Hill,  he  was  willing  that 
the  same  should  be  settled  by  five  indifferent  persons  to  be  mu- 
tually chosen  by  the  Town  &  himself,  they  or  a  major  part  of 
them  to  award  what  Damages  the  Town  has  sustained  by  his  dig- 
ging away,  or  undermining  said  Hill ;  &  also  what  Sum  the  Town 
shall  give  him  for  such  Part  of  his  Lands,  as  shall  be  judo;ed  nec- 
essary for  the  Preservation  of  said  Hill  —  The  Question  being  put 

—  Whether  the  Town  will  agree  to  the  above  Proposals  —  Passed 
in  the  Affirmative 

The  Town  then  proposed  Capt.  William  Heath  of  Roxbury  & 
Deacon  John  Frattingham  of  Charlestown,  as  Referees  on  the  Part 
of  the  Town,  which  M"".  Hudson  approved  of — M''.  Samuel  How 
of  Dorchester  &,  M"".  Nathanael  Brown  of  Charlestown,  were  pro- 
posed by  M"^.  Hudson,  as  Referees,  and  approved  of  by  the  Town 

—  It  was  agreed  by  the  parties  that  M".  Lemuel  Robinson  of  Dor- 
chester be  the  fifth  Man 

Moved  &  Voted  that  M"".  David  Jeffries  Town  Treasurer,  be  & 
hereby  is  directed  &  impowered  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  to  execute 
such  Bonds  of  Submission,  as  shall  be  thought  necessary  for  a 
Compliance  with  the  Award  of  the  Referees 

Voted.  That  the  Time  limited  for  finishing  &  bringing  in  the 
forementioned  Award  by  the  Referees,  be  the  5'^  of  September 
next 

Voted,  That  Col.  Thomas  Marshall 
John  Scollay  Esq. 
M".  Ohvcr  Wendell 
be  &  hereby  are  appointed  &  impowered  as  a  Comittee,  to  appear 
before  the  Referees    «&;    make   Representation    in    behalf  of    the 
Town 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  unanimously,  that  the 
Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby  are  given  to  our  worthy  Friends, 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Windham  in  the  Colony  of  Connec- 
ticutt  ,  for  the  kind  [535.]  And  generous  Assistance  they  have 
granted  this  Town  under  its  present  Distress  &  Calamity,  involun- 
tarily—  sending  258  Sheep,  as  a  Present  for  the  Relief  of  the 
Poor,  industrious  Inhabitants  of  this  Place,  who  by  a  late  oppres- 
sive &  cruel  Act  of  Parliament  for  blocking  up  the  Harlior  of 
Boston,  are  prevented  getting  Subsistence  for  themselves  &  Fam- 
ilies   


180  City  Document  No.  91. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to  transmit  an  attested 
Copy  of  the  above  Vote  of  Thanks  to  the  Town  of  Windham 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  the  19*^.  of 
July  instant,  9  O'Clock  Forenoon 

May  Meeting  Adjournment 

Thursday  July  19"".  9  O'Clock  A.M.  Met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment   

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Eight  Thousand  Pounds  be  raised  by  a 
Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates  within  this  Town,  for  Relief  of  the  poor 
&  defraying  other  necessary  Charges  arising  within  the  Town  the 
ensuing  Year 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  &  Twenty  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M*".  John  Lovel  for  his  Salary  as  Master  of  the 
South  Grammar  School  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  Commence  at  the  Ex- 
piration of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  Twenty  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M"".  Samuel  Hunt  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of 
the  North  Grammar  School,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  Commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M^  James  Carter,  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  Writ- 
ing School  in  Queen -Street,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  at  the 
Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

[526.]  Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M^  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salary,  as  Master 
of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  Year  ensuing  the  same 
to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  Commence 
at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M'.  James  Tileston,  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  North 
Writing  School,  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quar- 
terly, as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  Commence  at  the  Expiration 
of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Sixty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid  unto 
M'.  James  Lovel,  for  his  Salary,  as  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly, 
as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last 
Quarter 

Voted,  that  the  further  Sum  of  Forty  pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M^  James  Lovel,  as  Encouragement  for  him  to  remain  & 
exert  himself  in  the  service  of  the  Town  the  Year  ensuing,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  lo  com- 
mence at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Fifty  Pounds,  be  allowed  &  paid  unto 
M^  Abiah  Holbrook,  for  his  Salaiy,  as  Usher  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen-Street,  the  ensuing  Year  the  same  to  bs  paid  him 
quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  and  to  commence  at  the  Expira- 
tion of  the  last  Quarter 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  181 

Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Forty  Pounds  bo  allowed  &  paid  unto 
M''.  William  Doll  for  his  Salary,  as  Usher  of  the  writing  School,  at 
the  North  Part  of  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  Commence  at  the  Ex- 
piration of  the  last  Quarter 

[537.]  Voted,  That  the  Sum  of  Thirty  four  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M^  Samuel  Holbrook,  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  the  Common,  for  providing  an  Assistant  the  Year  ensu- 
ing, the  same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  & 
to  commence  at  the  Expiration  of  the  last  Quarter ■ 

Voted,  That  the  further  Sum  of  Sixteen  pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M"".  Samuel  Holbrook,  Master  of  the  Writing  School  in 
the  Common  for  procuring  further  Help,  untill  an  Usher  can  be 
provided  for  him 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  (besides  the  Thirty 
Pounds  already  granted  him)  be  allowed  &  paid  out  of  the  Town 
Treasury,  unto  M'.  David  Jeffries  as  Treasurer  of  the  Town,  the 
Year  past,  &  for  all  his  Expences  in  that  OtHce. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  by  M^  Samuel  Holbrook  he  was  allowed 
to  withdraw  his  Petition. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  last  Wednesday 
in  August  next,  being  the  31'.  —  10  "'Clock  forenoon 

July  19*'^.  11  O'clock.  Town  met  agreeable  to  the  Adjournment 
of  the  Boston  Port  Bill  Meeting 

The  Comittee  on  Ways  &  Means  Reported  verbally,  that  they 
had  been  considering  of  the  best  Methods  to  Employ  the  Poor  ;  & 
informed  the  Town,  "That  the  building  a  Wharff  from  the 
South  End,  leading  to  Dorchester  Neck,  &  a  House  or  Two  on  the 
Town's  Lands,  at  that  Part  of  the  Town  was  what  they  thought 
might  be  of  Service :  That  they  had  other  Proposals  to  make  in 
some  future  Time  ;  but  that  for  the  present,  the  Comittee  desired 
the  Sense  of  the  Town,  with  Respect  to  the  Expediency  of  employ- 
ing a  Number  of  Inhabitants  now  out  of  Employ,  in  Carrying  on 
a  Wharff" 

It  having  been  moved,  that  the  CoiBittee  on  Ways  &  Means 
for  Employing  the  Poor,  have  Libert}'^  to  build  any  Wharff  or 
Dam  upon  the  Town's  Land  at  the  South  End —  "  It  was 

\_5'2S.'\  Voted,  That  the  Comittee  appointed  to  distribute 
the  several  Donations  that  may  be  made  for  the  Relief  &  Employ- 
ments of  such  Persons,  as  are  Sufferers  by  means  of  the  Poit^Bill, 
have  leave  to  build  a  Wharff  upon  the  Town's  Lands  &  Flatts  (ad- 
joining to  Curtis  &  May's  Land)  not  exceeding  200  feet  at  present, 
from  High  Water  Mark  ;  or  if  M^  Cobb  will  give  his  Flatts,  with 
a  sufficient  Passage  Way  of  28  feet  from  the  Street,  without  a 
Consideration,  that  the  Committee  have  Leave  to  carry  it  from  the 
said  Cobb's,  provided  they  shall  think  it  more  advantageous. 
Adjourned  to  3  O'Ciock  P.M. 

3  O'clock  P.M.  Met  according  to  Adjournment 
It  having  been  represented  by  Two  of  the  Gentlemen  Overseers, 
that  they  could  not  discharge  their  Duty,  as  a  Committee  ou  Ways 


182  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 

&  Means,  l)y  Reason  of  their  other  Business,  &  the  Sickness  of 
some  of  their  Bod}' —  It  was  moved,  &  the  Question  accordingly 
put  —  That  the  Overseers  be  discharged  from  the  Duly  assigned 
them,  as  a   Cofiiittee   on  Ways  &   Means,"  which   passed   in  the 

Affirmative 

A  Motion   made,  that   an    Addition    may  now  be  made   to  the 

Comittee  on  Ways  &  Means  —  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  that  fourteen  Gentlemen  be  the  Addition  and  that  they 

be  chose  by  Ballot. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  Choice  of  Gentlemen  for  the 
Coihittee  on  Ways  &  Means,  be  referred  to  7  o'Clock  in  the  Even- 
ing, &  that  a  Coiiiittee  of  24  Gentlemen,  Six  of  9Fhom  to  be  from 
the  North,  twelve  from  the  middle,  &  Six  from  the  South,  part  of 
the  Town,  be  appointed  to  consider  of  a  proper  List  to  be  pro- 
posed to  the  Town  for  this   Addition  to  the   Comittee  on  Ways  & 

Means 

Voted  that  Captain  Edward  Procter 

Cap'.  Fortesque  Vernon 
[539.]  M^  Alexander  Hill 

M'.  Paul  Reviere 

Cap'.  William  Mackay 

M.John  White 

M^  William  Whitwel 

M.  Edward  Payne 

D'.  John  Greanleaf 

M'".  John  Brown 

M''.  Isaac  Peirce 

D"".  Joseph  "Warren 

Benj*.  Austin  Esq. 

M^  Daniel  Waldo 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

M^  Oliver  Wendell 

Capt.  Samuel  Partridge 

M^  Peter  Boyer 

Major  Tho^  Daws 

Tho'.  Crafts  jun^ 

AVilliam  Lowder 

M^  John  Preston 

M^  Samuel  May 

Joshua  Henshaw  jun''. 

be  a  Comittee  for  the  foregoing  Purpose. 

Moved  &  seconded  that  the  Vote  passed  in  the  Morning,  relative 
to  a  Wharff  being  built,  he  reconsidered  and  the  Question  being 

put  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

It  was  moved  &  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  call  a 
Meeting  on  Tuesday  the  22"^.  instant,  10  ".Clock  A.M.  to  consider 
of  such  Propossals  as  may  be  made  by  the  Comittee  on  Ways  & 
Means,  or  on  any  other  Proposals  relative  to  the  present  Exigency 
of  our  Affairs.  _ 

The  Comittee  to  prepare  a  List  for  an  Addition  to  the  Comittee 
ou  Ways  &  means  having  Reported  —  Voted,  that 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  183 

Capt.  Fortesque  Vernon 

M''.  Edward  Procter 

M^  John  White 

M'.  Gibbins  Sharp 

Capt.  William  Mackay 
[530.]  M^  Thomas  Greealeaf 

Capt.  Samuel  Partridge 

Benj'^.  Austin  Ksq. 

M^  Jonathan  Mason 

M".  John  Brown 

M^  James  Richardson 

M-".  Tho^  Crafts  jun^ 

M^  Henry  Hill 

Joshua  Henshaw  .iun^ 
Be  the  Coinittee  on  Ways  &  Means   in  Addition  to  the   Eleven 

Gentlemen  before  chosen. 

Voted,  That  M^  David  Jeffries  be  added  to  this  Comittee  on 
Ways  &  Means,  and  that  he  be  the  Treasurer  of  said  Committee. 
—  Also 

Voted,  that  Five  Gentlemen  of  this  Comittee  be  a  quorum. 
Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that 

M''.  Samuel  Adams 

Josiah  Quiucy  Esq. 

John  Adams  Esq. 

D^  Benj^  Church 

D"^.  Joseph  Warren 

The  Hon"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

D^  Tiiomas  Young 

Re v^  Charles  Chauncy  D.  D. 

Eev"^.  Samuel  Mather  D.  D. 

The  Hon''l^  Tho^  Cushing  Esq. 

D''.  Charles  Jarvis 
Be  a  Comittee  to  consider  &  Report  a  Declaration  to  be  made  by 

this  Town  to  Great  Britain  &  all  the  World. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  26  of 
July  instant,  9  O'Clock  A.M. 

Tuesday  July  26"*.  9  o'Clock  forenoon  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment of  Port  Bill  Meeting 

Whereas  a  Vote  was  passed  this  Meeting,  Viz*  on  the  12.  day 
of  June  1774  whereb}^  the  following  Gentlemen,  Viz*. 
[531.]  M^  Samuel  Adams 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

Thomas  Boylston  Esq. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

D"".  Joseph  Warren 

John  Adams  Esq. 

Josiah  Quincy  Esq. 

Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 

M''.  Henderson  Inches 

M^  William  Mollineux 

M"".  Nathaniel  Appleton 


184  CiTr  Document  No.  91. 

were  appointed  to  take  the  several  Proposals  that  have  been  made, 
relative  to  our  Conduct  in  the  present  Exigency  into  Consideration 

&  report 

And  at  an  Adjournment  of  the  former  Meeting,  Viz'.,  on  the  17 
day  of  June  1774,  the  following  Vote  was  passed  Viz'.,  Tliat  all 
Grants  &  Donations  to  this  Town,  &  the  poor  thereof  at  this  dis- 
tressed Season,  be  paid  &  delivered  into  the  Hanils  of  the  Over- 
seers of  the  poor  in  this  Town,  &  by  them  appropriated  &  dis- 
tributed in  Concert  with  the  Comittee  lately  appointed  by  this 
Town  for  the  Consideration  of  Ways  &  Means  of  Employing  the 

poor. 

And  at  a  further  Adjournment  of  the  same  Meeting  viz',  on  the 
19'^.  day  of  July  instant,  the  Overseers  of  the  poor,  for  Reasons 
offered  by  them,  did  desire  to  be  discharged  from  farther  services, 
touching  the  Receiving  &  Distributing  Donations,  as  above  men- 
tioned, &  the  Town  did  then  Vote  that 

Capt.  Fortesque  Vernon 

Capt.  Edward  Procter 

M^  John  White 

M^  Gibbins  Sharp 

Cap'.  Will".  Mackay 

M^  Tho^  Greenough 

Capt.  Samuel  Partridge 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

M^  Jonathan  Mason 

M^  John  Brown 

M^  James  Richardson 

M^  Thomas  Crafts  jun^ 
[533.]  M'.  Henry  Hill 

M^  Joshua  Henshaw  jun^  & 

M'.  David  Jeffries 
be  added  to  the  first  named  Comittee  —  therefore  —  Voted,  that 
the  Gentlemen,  whose  Names  are  aftermention'd  Viz'. 

M^  Samuel  Adams 

John  Rowe  Esq. 

M".  Tho'  Boy  Is  ton  Esq. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

D^  Joseph  Warren 

John  Adams  Esq. 

Josiah  Quincy  Esq. 

Tho'.  Cushing  Esq. 

M^  Henderson  Inches 

M'.  Will'".  Mollineux 

M'.  Nath'.  Appleton 

Capt.  Fortesque  Vernon 

Capt.  Edward  Proctor 

M^  John  White 

M'.  Gibbins  Sharp 

Capt.  Will™.  Mackay 

M^  Tho'.  Greenough 

Capt.  Samuel  Partridge 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  185 

M''.  Jonathan  Mason 
M"".  John  Brown 

M''.  James  Richardson 

M^  Tho^  Crafts  jun^ 

M'  Henry  Hill 

M'.  Joshua  Henshaw  jun'. 

M^  David  Jeffries_ 
Bo  &  hereby  are  appointed  the  Comittee  to  receive  all  Donations 
that  have  been,  or  may  be  made  for  the  Employment  or  Relief  of 
such  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  as  maj'  be  Sufferers  for  Want  of 
Employment  in  their  several  Occupations,  by  means  of  the  Act  of 
the  British  Parliraent  for  shutting  up  the  Harbour  of  Boston,  &  to 
appropriate,  improve  or  distribute  the  same  for  the  Purpose  afore- 
said, according  to  their  best  Discretion  ;  the  said  Comittee  to  be 

accountable  to  the  Town. 

[533.]  Voted,  That  all  Matters  and  Things  which  remain  un- 
finished be  referred  over  to  the  next  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Meet- 
ing assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Tuesday  the  26  day  of  July, 
10  o'clock  forenoon  A.  D.  1774. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  read 

M^  Samuel  Adams  Moderator. 

That  Article  of  the  Warrant,  Viz*.,  "  To  determine  on  the  Ex- 
pediency of  appointing  a  Comittee  of  Seven  by  Ballot  for  the 
Purpose  of  Consulting  proper  Measures  to  be  adopted  for  the  com- 
mon Safet}',  during  these  Exigencies  of  our  public  Affairs,  which 
may  reasonably  be  expected,  when  the  Acts  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, altering  the  Course  of  Justice,  and  annihilating  our  free  Con- 
stitution, shall  be  enforced  in  the  Province  ;  the  Committee  to  make 
Report"  —  was  read,  &  after  some  Debate,  the  Question  was  put 
—  "-Whether  it  be  the  Mind  of  the  Town,  that  a  Comittee  of 
Seven  Men  be  now  appointed  by  Ballot  for  the  Purpose  of  Consid- 
ering of  proper  Measures  to  be  adopted  for  the  Common  Safety, 
during  those  Exigencies  of  our  Public  Affairs,  which  may  reason- 
ably be  expected,  when  the  Acts  of  the  British  Parliament,  altering 
the  Course  of  Justice  &  annihilating  our  free  Constitution,  shall  be 
enforced  in  the  Province  ;  the  Coinittee  to  make  Report"  —  Passed 

in  the  Affermative 

The  Inhabitants  were  then  directed  to  withdraw  &  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  said  Comittee,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 
[534.]  The  Hon'''^  James  Bowdoin  Esq. 

M'.  Samuel  Adams 
John  Adams  Esq. 
The  Hon"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
D"".  Joseph  Warren 
Josiah  Quincy  Esq. 
were  chose  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  of  what  Meas- 


186  City  Document  No.  91. 

ures  are  right  &  proper  for  the  Town  to  adopt  at  this  Time,  rela- 
tive to  the  same  Act  of  the  British  Parliament  —  were  read  & 
considered,  whereupon  Voted,  that 

Josiah  Quincy  Ksq. 

M"".  Samuel  Adams     -..--.     excused 

Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 
Be  a  CoiSittee  forthwith  to  draw  up  &  repoi't  for  the  Consideration 
of  this  Town,  a  Lotter  to  be  sent  to  the  other  Towns,  relative  to 

the  Two  Bills  for  altering  the  Constitution  of  this  Province 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "  To  take  the  Sense  of  the 
Town,  relative  to  the  Buildin'^^  One  or  more  Houses,  building  one 
or  more  Vessels,  repairing  or  paving  the  public  Streets,  erecting, 
or  enlarging  Wharves  on  the  Town's  Land,  or  any  other  public 
Work  (to  be  carried  on  by  means  arising  from  Voluntary  Dona- 
tions) for  the  Employment  of  the  poor  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  at 
this  Time  of  general  Calamity  " — was  read  &  considered  ;  where- 
upon the  Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  Town  do  approve  of 
the  Methods  expressed  in  the  Warrant  for  the  Employment  of 
those  who  may  be  suffering  bj'^  the  Port  Bill,  &  do  give  Leave  to 
the  Coinittee  appointed  to  consider  of  Ways  &  Means  for  that 
Purpose  ;  to  employ  Persons  in  erecting  or  enlarging  Wharves, 
building  Vessels  and  Houses  on  the  Town's  Lands,  or  doing  any 
other  Work  or  Business,  which  they  shall  judge  prudent  or  neces- 
sary ;   [535.]  The  same  to  be  carried  on  by  Monies  arising  from 

voluntary  Donations"  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative  unanimously 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  whether  the 
Town  will  sell  any,  &  what  Part  of  the  real  Estate  belonging  to 
the  Town,  lying  within  the  Limits  thereof"  —  was  read,  &  after 
some  Debate,  it  was  moved,  &  Voter!,  that  this  Article  of  the 
Warrant  be  passed  over,   &  referred  to   some    luture    Time    for 

Consideration 

The  Coinittee  to  pr^^pare  a  Letter  to  be  sent  to  the  other  Towns, 
relative  to  the  Two  Bills  for  altering  the  Constitution  of  this  Prov- 
ince,  Reported   a   Draught,  which    was    accepted  Paragraph   by 
Paragraph,  and  is  as  follows,  Viz'., 
Friends  &  Brethren, 

Our  public  Calamities  have,  for  a  Series  of  Years,  been  en- 
creasing,  both  in  Number  &  Weight.  We  have  endeavoured  under 
all  our  public  Misfortunes,  to  conduct  as  good  Citizens  in  a 
Common  Cause.  Being  stationed  by  Providence  in  the  Front 
Rank  of  the  Conflict,  it  hath  been  our  Aim  to  behave  with  Vigi- 
'.mce,  Activity  &  Firmness  —  To  warn  our  Brethren  of  approach- 
xig  Danger,  to  encounter  with  becoming  Spirit  the  Trials  of  our 
Patience,  hath  been  our  Aim  &  our  Duty.  Our  Friends  &  gener- 
ous Countrymen  have  given  us  Reason  to  think  we  have  not 
altogether  failed  in  our  honest  Endeavours  in  the  Way  of  this 
Duty. 

Two  Acts  of  Parliament,  altering  the  Course  of  Justice  &  an- 
nihilating our  free  Constitution  of  Government,  are  every  day 
expected. 

When  we  consider  the  Conduct  of  our  late  worthy  House  of  Rep- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  187 

resentatives,  relative  to  our  Superior  Court  Judges,  &  their  Im- 
peachment of  the  Hon'''®  Peter  Oliver  Esq.  fo'r  his  accepting  a 
Salary  from  the  Crown,  in  his  Office  of  Chief  Justice,  &  when  we 
consider  the  uniform  Spirit  and  Conduct  of  the  several  Grand  Jur- 
ors tho'  the  Province,  [536.]  Touching  the  same  Grievances 
since  that  Impeachment ;  we  cannot  but  suppose  the  aforemen- 
tioned Acts  will  bring  on  a  most  important  &  decisive  Trial 

You,  Gentlemen,  our  Friends,  Countrymen  &  Benefactors,  may 
possibly  look  towards  us  at  this  great  Crisis.  We  trust  that  we 
shall  not  be  left  of  Heaven  to  do  any  thing  derogatory  to  our 
Common  Liberties,  unworthy  the  Fame  of  our  Ancestors,  or  incon- 
sistent with  our  former  Professions  &  Conduct 

Though  surrounded  with  a  large  Body  of  armed  Men  (who  hav- 
ing the  Sword  have  also  our  Blood  in  their  Hands)  we  are  yet  un- 
daunted;  we  trust  in  the  God  of  our  Fathers,  &  we  feel  the  an- 
imating Support  of  a  good  Cause  ;  but  which  suffering  the  double 
Weight  of  Oppression  &  exasperated  by  a  military  Camp  in  the 
very  Bowels  of  our  Town,  our  Minds  are  not  more  in  a  Temper  to 
DELIBERATE,  than  our  Bodies  in  a  situation  to  move,  as  the  Perils 
&  Exigencies  of  the  Times  may  probably  demand. 

To  you.  Gentlemen,  our  Brethren  &  dear  Companions  in  the 
Cause  of  God  &  our  dmntry  we  apply,  from  you  we  have  received 
that  Coimtenatice  &  Aid,  which  has  strengthened  our  Hands,  & 
that  Bounty,  which  has  occasioned  Smiles  on  the  Face  of  Distress. 
To  you,  therefore,  we  look  for  that  Wisdom,  Advice  &  Example 
which,  giving  Strength  to  our  Understandings  &  Vigor  to  our  Ac- 
tions, shall  with  the  Blessing  of  Ood  save  us  from  Destruction. 

Looking  up  to  Heaven,  and,  under  Divine  Direction,  to  our 
Brethren  in  the  Country  &  on  the  Continent,  for  Aid  &  Support, 
&  with  earnest  Prayers  for  a  happy  Issue  out  of  our  Great  Trou- 
bles, we  are, 

Your  Friends  &  Brethren, 

The  Inhabitants  of  Boston,  Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that 
a  printed  Copy  of  the  following  Letter  to  our  Brethren  in  the  sev- 
eral Towns  &  Districts  in  the  Province  be  forthwith  signed  by 
the  Town  Cleik,  &  transmitted  by  the  Comittee  of  Correspond- 
ence, in  the  Name  &  Behalf  of  the  Town. 

Adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  9*  of  August,  10  o'Clock  Fore- 
noon.   

[537.]  August  9''"  1774  —  10  o'Clock  forenoon  —  Met  Accord- 
ing to  Adjournment. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

The  Coinittee  on  Ways  &  Means  for  employing  the  Poor ;  & 
receiving  &  aplying  the  Donations  that  have  &  may  be  made 
them  at  this  distressing  Season,  Reported  verbally,  "  That  it  was 
their  Opinion,  that  the  poor  of  our  Sister  Town  of  Charlestown, 
were  suffering  with  us,  under  the  Operation  of  the  Boston  Port 
Bill,  ought  to  share  with  our  poor  in  those  Donations"  —  upon 
which  it  was  moved,  &,  the  Question  accordingly  put,  "Whether 
our  Sister  Town  of  Charlestown  is  equitably  intitled  to  a  certain 
part  of  the  Donations  that  are  &  may  be  received  for  the  Employ- 


188  City  Document  No.  91. 

ment  &  Relief  of  such  Persons  as  are  Sufferers  by  the  Operation 
of  the  Boston  Poit'Bill,  which  passed  in  the  Affermative,  unani- 
mously —  also  moved  that  whereas  the  Town  of  Charlestown  have 
had  an  Encouragement  from  the  Comittee  on  Ways  &  Means, 
that  they  were  to  receive  seven  p  Cent  out  of  the  Donations  men- 
tioned above,  said  Coiiiittee  ma}'  now  accordingly  be  directed  to 
apply  for  their  Relief  out  of  said  Donations,  in  the  Proportion  of 
seven  p  Cent  —  and  the  Question  being  put,  passed  in  the  Aflir- 
mative 

The  Coinitte  on  "Ways  &  Means,  reported  further,  That  they 
had  thought  it  expedient  to  erect  a  House  at  the  South  Part  of  the 
Town,  on  the  Town's  Land,  for  the  Employment  of  Tradesmen, 
&  now  out  of  Work,  provided  the  Town  will  furnish  the  Materials 
wanted  for  such  a  Building,  upon  Condition,  that  the  Coinitte  on 
Ways  &  Means  defrny  the  whole  Amount  of  the  Labour,  out  of 
the  Donations  they  have  received."  Upon  whicli  it  was  moved, 
that  the  Report  be  accepted,  &  that  the  Town  give  their  Consent, 
that  the  Coinittee  should  erect  such  a  Building  on  the  Land  as  was 
proposed,  &  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  directed  to  borrow  upon 
Interest  the  Money  necessary  to  purchase  said  Materials  —  &  the 
Question  being  put  —  Passed  in  the  Negative 

Jt  was  moved  &  seconded,  that  a  Comittee  be  now  appointed  to 
make  Appraisment  of  the  Land  at  the  South  End,  upon  which  a 
House  had  been  pi'oposed  to  be  erected;  and  [538.]  That  the 
CoiSittee  on  Ways  &  Means  might  have  said  Land  at  the  ap- 
praised Value  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid  —  and  the  Question  being 
put  —  Passed  in  the  Negative 

It  having  been  suggested,  as  probable,  that  some  Towns  in  the 
Country  were  about  applying  for  a  Meeting  of  Deputies  from  the 
several  Towns  in  the  County,  —  It  was  moved  that  some  Measures 
might  be  taken  for  appointing  Deputies,  in  Case  a  County  Meeting 
should  be  called  ;  whereupon  Voted,  That  the  Coinittee  of  Cor- 
respondence for  this  Town  be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  &  directed 
to  choose  a  Comittee  to  attend  the  County  Congress, — provided 
Application  should  be  made  for  that  Purpose 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  added  to 
the  Coinittee  now  chosen,  to  appoint  suitable  Persons  for  the  Coun- 
ty Congress,  in  Case  Application  should  be  made  for  that  Pur- 
pose —  Also 

Voted,  that  this  Comittee  consist  of  five  Persons. 

Adjourned  to  the  last  Tuesday  in  October  next,  10  O'Clock 
A.M. 

At  an  Ajournment  of  the  May  Meeting  Tuesday  August  30"*. 
1774.  10  O'clock  Before  Noon. 

A  Motion  was  made  &  seconded  that  a  Moderator  for  this  Meet- 
ing be  chose  by  a  Hand  Vote  in  the  Room  of  M^  Sam'.  Adams 
now  attending  the  Congress. 

John  ScoUay  Esq,  was  unanimously  chosen  a  Moderator  in  the 
Room  of  M"".  Adams  now  absent. 

The  Coinittee  chosen  by  the  Town  were  not  ready  to  make  their 
Report,  at  this  Meeting,  though  called  upon  for  this  Purpose. 

A  Motion  was  made  &  seconded  —  "  That  the  Sense  of  the  Town 


Boston  Town   Records,  1774.  189 

be  taken,  Whether  the  Coinittee  ou  Ways  &  Means  for  employ- 
ing the  Poor,  be  allowed  &  impowered  [539.]  If  they  shall  judge 
it  proper,  to  lay  out  a  Brick  Yard  ou  Boston  Neck  for  the  making 
of  Bricks  —  and  the  Question  being  accordingly  put  —  Passed  in 
the  Affirmative 

A  Motion  was  made  that  a  Vote  passed  the  4"\  of  July  last,  for 
not  reconsidering  a  Vote  passed  the  13'^.  of  May,  appointing  a 
Coinittee  to  consider  the  Petition  of  a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants, 
"  That  a  public  Well  may  be  dug,  &  a  Pump  fixt  upon  Dock  Square, 
for  the  farther  Preservation  of  the  Town  from  Fire,  &  the  Accom- 
odation of  the  Inhabitants  in  that  Neighbourhood  with  Water," 
which  Coinittee  was  ordered  to  make  Report  at  next  March  Meet- 
ing ;  be  now  reconsidered  —  &  the  Question  being  put — Passed 
in  the  Affirmative  —  also 

Voted,  that  the  Coiiiittee  appointed  to  consider  of  Ways  & 
Means  for  employing  the  Poor  of  this  Town,  now  out  of  Business 
by  the  Operation  of  the  Port  Bill,  so  called,  be  allowed  &  impow- 
ered to  make  such  an  Agreement  with  the  Petitioners  for  a  Well  to 
be  dug  on  Dock  Square,  as  said  Comittee  may  apprehend  to  be 
for  the  Advantage  of  the  Town. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  that  there  be  a  short  Adjournment  of  this 
Meeting,  in  Order  to  receive  the  Report  of  a  Committee,  now  sub- 
sisting, to  judge  of  the  Expediency  of  filling  up  the  Dock,  &c. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  \S^  of 
Sept^  next  10  o'Clock  before  noon  —  and  the  Meeting  was  accord- 
ingly adjourned  

At  an  Adjournment  of  the  May  Meeting  September  13"^.  1774, 
10  o'clock  forenoon 

John  Scollay  Esq.  chosen  Moderator  Pro  Tempore  of  this  Meet- 
ing, being  now  out  of  Town,  it  was  moved,  and 

[540o]  Voted,  That  the  Town  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  a  Mod- 
erator Pro  Tempore. 

Moved  &  Voted,  that  the  Choice  of  a  Moderat^  pro.  temp,  be 
b}-  a  hand  Vote. 

Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq.  was  chose  a  Moderator  during  the  Ab- 
sence of  the  other  Moderator 

The  Chairman  of  the  Coinittee  appointed  to  consider  the  Expe- 
diency of  filling  up  the  Town  Dock,  Repoi'ted  verbally,  that  they 
were  not  yet  able  to  make  a  full  Report,  &  as  John  Ruddock  Esq. 
is  now  dead,  they  pray  the  Town  that  another  Gentleman  may  be 
appointed  in  his  Room. 

The  Question  being  put,  viz'.  "Whether  the  Town  will  make  any 
Addition  to  the  Coinittee  on  filling  up  the  Dock  —  Passed  in  th3 
Affirmative 

M^  Joshua  Blanchard  was  added  to  the  Comittee  relative  to  Dock 
Square  in  the  Room  of  John  Ruddock  Esq.  deceased. 

Voted,  That  the  foregoing  Coinittee  be  desired  to  report  to  the 
Town  ;  as  may  be  convenient. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  last  Tuesday  in 
September  next  9  O'Clock  A.M.  being  21"'.  Day 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duely  qualified,  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 


190  City  Document  No.  91. 

Meeting  assembled  at  Fanueil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  25*.  Day 
of  September  Anno  Domini  1774 


Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  D'.  Mather 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 

Sundry  Laws  read 

[541.]  John  Scollay  Esq.  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  pro- 
posed in  their  Names  to  the  Inhabitants  assembled,  to  proceed 
to  the  Choice  of  One  or  more  Persons  to  represent  them  in  the 
Great  &  General  Court  or  Assembly  to  be  holden  on  the  5"^.  day 
of  October  next ;  &  in  order  there  to  consider  &  ascertain  the 
number  of  Gentlemen  to  be  Elected,  accordingly  it  was  Voted,  to 
proceed  to  the  Choice  of  four  Representatives  ;  &  then  it  was  de- 
clared by  the  Selectmen,  that  no  Votes  will  be  received  but  such 
as  are  unfolded  &  that  they  propose  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  12 
O'clock 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  for  four  Representatives,  the  Num- 
ber of  the  same  were  found  to  be  three  Hundred  &  Sixty  Two,  & 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that  the  four  following  Gentlemen 
were  chosen  Viz'. 

The  Hon''^^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.     --»---      862 

M"".  Samuel  Adams _.„..      361 

The  Hon"^  John  Hancock  Esq.    ---.--=     362 

William  Philips  Esq. 362 

The  Choice  of  Representatives  being  over  &  declared  by  the  Select- 
men ;  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  witiidraw,  &  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  in  order  that  tlie  Town  may 
proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs  mentioned  in  the  Warrant  : 
Accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew,  &  brought  in  their  Votes, 
&  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that  the  Hon''^®.  John  Hancock 
Esq.  was  chosen  unanimously 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "To  consider  what  Instruc- 
tions shall  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen  that  may  be  chosen  to  repre- 
sent them  in  the  said  General  Assembly,"  —  was  read  whereupon 
it  was  moved,  &  the  Question  accordingly  put.  Whether  it  is  the 
sense  of  the  Town,  that  Instructions  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen 
chosen  to  represent  this  Metropolis  —  which  passed  in  the  Nega- 
tive   

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

[543.]     3  O'clock  P.M.  Met  according  to  Adjournment 

Tlie  Article  in  the  Warrant  viz'.  "  To  choose  four  Collectors  of 
Taxes  in  the  Room  of  the  late  Collectors,  who  decline  serving  "  — 
wns  read —  and  after  some  Debate 

Voted,  That  the  Consideration  of  the  Choice  of  Collectors  of 
Taxes,  in  the  Room  of  those  who  decline  serving,  shall  subside 
for  the  present 

A  Motion  made  that  a  Number  of  Resolves  respecting  a  Provin- 
cial Congress,  handed  in  to  the  Town  might  be  now  read  &  con- 
sidered &  the  Question  being  accordingly  put — Passed  in  the 
Negative 

Moved  &  seconded,  that  the  Vote  passed  in  the  Morning  for  not 


Boston  Town   Records,   1774.  19L 

Instructing  the  Gentlemen  chosen  to  represent  this  Town,  be  now 

reconsidered,  &  after  considerable  Debate  on  the  Motion 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  thereof  be   referred  till 

Tomorrow  afternoon  3  O'Clock 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  till  Tomorrow  3  O'Clock 

Afternoon 

Thursday  September  the  22**.  Town  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment   

The  Motion  for  reconsidering  the  Vote  passed  for  not  Instruct- 
ing the  Gentlemen  chosen  to  represent  us,  again  taken  up,  &  the 
Question  being  put — Whether  said  Vote  shall  be  reconsidered, 

passed  in  the  Affirmative 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "To  consider  what  Instruc- 
tions shall  be  given  to  the  Gentlemen  that  may  be  chosen  to  re- 
present this  Town  in  General  Assembly,"  again  read,  &  after  some 
Debate  the  Question  was  put —  Whether  Instructions  shall  be 
given  our  Representatives,  which  passed  in  the  Affirmative  unani- 
mously.   

[543.]     Voted,  That  D^  Joseph  Warren 
D"".  Benjamin  Church 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 

M'.  John  Pitts 

Be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee  to  prepare  Instructions  for 

our  Representatives,  the  same  to  be  Reported 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  That  Three  Persons 
be  now  appointed  &  impowered,  in  Addition  to  our  four  Repre- 
sentatives, to  our  four  Representatives,  to  join  with  the  Members 
who  may  be  sent  from  the  Neighbouring  Towns  in  the  Province,  at 
a  Time  to  be  agreed  on,  in  a  General  Provim-ial  Congress,  to  act 
upon  such  Matters,  as  may  then  come  before  them,  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  shall  appear  to  them  must  conducive  to  the  true  Interest  of 
this  Town  &  Province,  &  most  likely  to  preserve  the  Liberties  of 

all  America. 

The    Inhabitants   were  then  directed  to  withdraw,  &  bring  in 
their  Votes   for   three   Persons  accordingly ;    &  the  Votes  being 
brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen. 
Viz'.  D"".  Joseph  Warren 
D''.  Benjamin  Church 
M'.  Nathaniel  Appleton  « 
were  chosen  Members  of  the  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Purpose 

aforesaid 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Committee  appointed  to 
prepare  Instructions  for  our  Representatives,  be  directed  to  set 

immediataly,  &  Report  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  prepare  Instructions  for  our  Repre- 
sentatives reported  the  following  Draught,  which  was  accepted  by 
the  Town  —  Viz'. 

To  the  Hon''^^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 
M^  Samuel  Adams 
The  Hon*''®.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
William  Phillips  Esq. 


192  City  Document  No.  91. 

Gentlemen, 

As  we  have  now  chosen  you  to  represent  us  in  the 
Great  &  General  Court,  to  be  holden  at  Salem,  ou  VVednesday, 
the  5*^.  Day  of  October  next  ensuing,  we  do  hereby  instruct  you, 
that  in  all  your  Doings,  as  Members  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, you  adhere  firmly  to  the  Charter  of  this  Piovince,  granted 
by  their  Majesties  King  William  &  Queen  Mary,  &  that  you  do  no 

act,  - which  can  possibly  be  construed  into  an  Acknowleg- 

ment  of  the  Act  of  the  British  Parliament,  for  altering  the  Gov- 
ernment of  Massachusetts'  Bay  ;  more  especially  that  3'ou  acknowl- 
ege  the  Hon*"'^.  Board  of  Counsellors,  elected  by  the  General 
Court  at  their  Sessions  in  May  last,  as  the  only  rightful  &  consti- 
tutional Council  of  this  Province. — And,  as  we  have  Reason  to 
believe  that  a  Conscientious  Discharge  of  your  Duty  will  produce 
your  Dissolution,  as  an  House  of  Representatives  —  We  do  hereby 
impower  &  instruct  you  to  join  with  the  Members,  who  may  be 
sent  from  this  &  the  Neighbouring  Towns  in  the  Province,  &  to 
meet  with  them  on  a  time  to  be  agreed  on,  in  a  General  Provincial 
Congress,  to  act  upon  such  Matters,  as  maj'  come  before  you,  in 
such  a  manner,  as  shall  appear  to  you  most  conducive  to  the  true 
Interest  of  this  Town  &  Province,  &  most  likely  to  preserve  the 

Liberties  of  all  America 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  dissolved  and  it  was  accordingby 
dissolved. 

At  an  Adjournment  of  the  May  Meeting,  Tuesday  October  the 
25'^.  1774  —  9  O'clock  before  Noon. 

John  Scollay  Esq'',  pro  Temp.  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  be- 
ing by  Reason  of  Indisposition  prevented  giving  [545.]  His 
Attendance,  &  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq.  the  other  pro  Temp. 
Moderator,  being  out  of  Town,  a  Motion  was  made  &  passed  that 

another  Gentleman  be  chosen  by  a  Hand  Vote 

William  Phillips  Esq. 
was  accordingly  chosen    Moderator  of   this  Meeting,  during  the 
Absence  of  the  other  Gentlemen 

A  Motion  made  &  carried,  that  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  be 
now  chosen  in  the  Room  of  William  White  Esq.  deceased 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  accordingly  &  upon  sorting 
them  it  appeared,  that 

M^  John  White 
was  unanimously  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  Remain- 
der of  the  Year. 

The  Coihittee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  Expediency  of  filling 
up  the  Dock  &*^.  acquainted  the  Town,  that  they  were  desirous  of 
a  farther  Time  for  making  their  Report  —  Whereupon  it  was 
Voted,  that  a  farther  Time  be  accordingly  allowed  them,  &  that 

they  be  desired  to  make  Report  at  the  Adjournment 

M''.  James  Foster  Coudy 
was  chosen  a  Clerk  of  the  Market  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year, 
in   the   Room   of  M^    John    Smith,  latel}'   removed    out   of  this 
Town. 

A  Motion  made  &  seconded,  that  when  this  meeting  shall  be 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  193 

adjourned,  it  may  be  to  the  first  Wednesday  in  December  next, 

9  O'clock  before  Noon. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  accordingly  adjourned  to  Wednes- 
day the  seventh  Day  of  December  next  ensuing,  9  O'Clock  A.  M. 

At  an  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting  Tuesday  October 

25*.  1774.  10  O'clock  before  Noon. 

[546.]  M^  Samuel  Adams,  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
being  being  now  at  the  Continental  Congress,  it  was  moved  that 

a  Pro.  Temp.  Moderator  be  now  chosen  by  a  Hand  Vote 

William  Phillips  Esq. 
Avas  accordingly  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  Pro.  Tem. 

A  Motion  made  that  some  Method  may  be  pursued  to  prevent 
Bickerings  &  Disputes  with  the  Troops  in  this  Town  during  the 
Winter,  &  such  Insults  as  have  been  given  the  Inhabitants  by  the 
Soldiery,  at  Boston  Neck  &  Chalestovvu  Ferry  —  and  after  some 
Debates  the  following  Votes  were  Passed  —  Viz*. 

Whereas  Affrays  may  happen,  by  Reason  of  the  Soldiers  being 
quartered  in  this  Town,  and  the  Inhabitants  are  desirous  to  pre- 
serve Peace  &  good  Order  —  therefore  Voted,  that  a  Comittee  be 
appointed  to  wait  upon  the  Governor  to  consult  upon  such  Waj^s 
&  Means,  as  are  not  likely  to  procure  this  desirable  Effect,  &  to 

report  as  soon  as  may  be  '■ 

Voted,  that  William  Phillips  Esq. 
M"^.  James  Richardson 
IF.  Jonathan  Mason 
]\r.  William  Whitwel 
vP.  Samuel  Partridge 
John  Scollay  Esq. 
Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 
be  a  Coinittee  to  wait  upon  the  Governor  for  the  Purpose  afore- 
said   

On  a  Motion  made,  that  Ten  Persons  be  added  to  the  Comittee 
to  consider  of  Ways  &  Means  for  employing  the  poor  Sufferers 
by  the  Operation  of  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  so  called. 
Voted,  that  M'.  Daniel  Waldo 

M'.  William  Whitwell 
[547.]        Capt.  John  Pulling 
M^  Peter  Boyer 
M".  Samuel  May 
M^  John  Avery  jun'. 
M^  William  Boardman 
M^  John  Soley 
Cap*.  Nehemiah  Soames 
M^  John  Preston 
be  &  hereby  are  added  to  the  CoSoittee    on  Ways  &  Means  for 
supplying  the  Poor 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
Tuesday  next,  being  the  1*.  Day  o'f  November  10  O'Clock  fore- 
noon   

At  an  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting  Tuesday  Novem- 
ber 1'  10  O'clock  before  Noon 


194  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  wait  upon  bis  Excellency  the  Gov- 
ernor, Reported,  That  they  had  had  a  Conference  with  the  Governor 
agreable  to  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  who  declared  he  was  ready  to 
do  every  thing  in  his  Power  to  promote  the  Peace  and  Good  Order 
of  the  Town 

After  considerable  Debate,  it  was  moved,  and  the  Question 
accordinglj/  put  —  Whether  the  Report  shall   be    accepted    &    it 

passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,     That   this    Meeting   be    adjourned   to   Thursday   next 

3  O'clock  Afternoon 

At  an  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting  Thursday  No- 
vember 3^  1774  —  3  O'clock  Afternoon 

A  Motion  made  &  the  Question  accordingly  put,  Whether  a 
Coinittee  shall  be  appointed  to  take  into  Consideration,  what  are 
the  proper  Ways  &  Means  to  secure  the  Peace  &  good  Order  of 

the  Town  —  Which  passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  William  Phillips  Esq.  Moderator 

John  Scollay  Esq. 
[548.]        The  Hon'^'^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M^  Timothy  Newell 
Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 
M^  Samuel  Austin 
M^  Oliver  Wendell 
M^  John  Pitts 
D"".  Joseph  Warren 
D'.  Benjamin  Church 
M^  Thomas  Boylston 
Be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee,  to  consider  &  report  at 
the  Adjournment,  what  are  the  proper  Ways  and  Means  to  se- 
cure the  Peace  &  good  Order  of  the  Town 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday    next,    3 

O'clock  Afternoon 

At  an  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting  —  Thursday  No- 
vember S**.  1774,  3  O'clock  Afternoon 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  take  into  Consideration  what  are  the 
proper  Ways  &  Means  to  secure  the  Peace  &  good  Order  of  the 

Town,  Reported  as  follows,  Viz'. 

Whereas  sundry  Regiments  of  his  Majesty's  Troops  are,  con- 
trary to  Law,  &  to  the  great  Annoyance  &  Detriment  of  his  Majes- 
ty's good  Subjects  of  this  Province,  now  stationed  in  the  Town  of 
Boston,  in  a  Time  of  profound  Peace,  for  the  avowed  Purpose  of 
carrying  into  Execution,  sundry  Acts  of  the  British  Parliament, 
tending  to  enslave  the  People,  &  to  subvert  the  Constitution  of 
this  Province,  which  it  is  our  Duty  to  protest  against  upon  all 
Occasions,  yet  nevertheless,  we,  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  in  Town  Meeting  legally  assembled,  —  taking  into  seri- 
ous Consideration,  the  distressed  Circumstances  of  this  Metropo- 
lis, &  being  anxious  still  to  use  our  best  Endeavours  to  preserve 
that  Decency  &  Order,  for  which  the  Town  has  ever  been  remark- 
able ;  relying  on  the  Justice  of  our  Cause  [549.]  And  confiding  in 
the  united  Endeavors  of  the  Colonies,  the  Wisdom  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  the  Justice  &  Clemency  of  our  Sovereign,  &  the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  n>5 

Smiles  of  Divine  Providence,  that  our  Grievances,  will  shortly  be 
redressed,  &  our  unalienable  &  precious  Rights,  Liberties  and 
Privileges,  be  restored  &  secured  to  us,  upon  a  Just  &  permanent 
Basis — Therefore  we  recommend,  That  as  his  Excellency  the 
Governor  has  assured  the  Town,  that  he  will  do  all  in  his  Power 
to  secure  the  Peace  &  good  Order  of  the  Town  ; 

That  the  Town  on  their  Part  will  exert  their  best  Endeavors  to 
effect  the  same  desirable  Purpose,  &  to  this  End  would  augment 
the  Town  Watch  to  the  Number  of  Twelve  Men  in  each  Watch  ; 
and  it  is  recommended  to  the  Selectmen,  that  they  increase  the 
Watch  to  the  Number  of  Twelve  Men  in  each  Watch  House,  for 
the  security  &  Safety  of  the  Inhabitants,  &  that  they  be  directed 
to  Patrole  the  Streets  of  the  Town  for  the  whole  Night  the  ^^  in- 
ter Season  

And,  it  is  earnestly  desired  that  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  the 
Peace,  &  other  Peace-Officers,  would  exert  their  Authority  for  the 
Observance  of  the  Laws,  &  Preservation  of  Peace  &  Order  ;  & 
that  when  they  hear  of  any  Disturbance,  they  would  not  wait  for  a 
Complaint  but  call  on  the  Inhabitants,  who  will  at  all  Times  be 
ready  in  assisting  to  disperse  such  Persons,  or  of  bringing  Offend- 
ers, of  what  Sort  or  Rank  whatsoever  to  Justice. 

As  in  our  present  Situation,  it  is  incumbent  on  us  particularly 
to  attend  to  the  Peace  «&  good  Order  of  the  Town,  it  is  therefore 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  Inhabitants  to  do  all  in  their  Power 
to  prevent  or  suppress  any  Quarrels  or  Disturbances  —  And  it  is 
serioush'  recommended  to  all  Masters  of  Families,  that  they  re- 
strain their  Children  &  Servants  from  going  abroad  after  Nine 
O'clock  in  the  Evening,  unless  on  necessary  Business  —  And  it  is 
farther  recommended  to  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  to  enjoin  upon 
all  Retailers  &  Taverns  of  thie  Town,  that  they  strictly  conform  to 
the  Laws  of  the  Province  relating  to  disorderly  Persons  — 

William  PniLLips,  p  Order 
[550.]     The  foregoing  Report  having   been  read,  and  con- 
sidered Paragraph  by  Paragraph,  the  Question  was  put  —  Whether 
the  same  shall  he  accepted  — Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  a  Coihittee  be  now  ap- 
pointed to  wait  upon  his  Excellency  the  Govenor,  &  to  acquaint 
him,  that  the  Town,  on  their  part,  being  disposed  to  do  their  ut- 
most to  preserve  Peace  and  good  Order,  have  come  into  such  Res 

olutions,  as  they  apprehend  conducive  to  so  happy  a  Purpose. • 

Voted,  that  John  Scollay  Esq. 

Tiie  Hon''''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M^  Timothy  Newell 

Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

M'.  Samuel  Austin 

M^  Oliver  Wendell 

M"".  James  Pitts 

D'.  Joseph  Warrea 

D'.  Benj\  Church 

M'.  Thomas  Boylston 

William  Phillips  Esq.  Moderator 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid  —  also 


196  City  Document  No.  91. 

Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Committee  be  &  they  hereby  are  in- 
structed to  confer  with  the  Governor  upon  such  Matters  as  have 
been  mentioned  by  D"  Church  in  this  Meeting 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to 
give  Orders  for  the  Lighting  of  the  Lamps,  when  they  shall  think  it 
proper. _ 

Voted,  that  a  CoiSittee  be  now  chosen  to  procure  Subscriptions 
for  the  Purpose  of  Lighting  of  the  Town  Lamps. 

[551.]  On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  above  Vote  re- 
specting Subscriptions  for  lighting  the  Lamps  be  reconsidered 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  December 
7'^  10  o'clock  A.  M. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  legally 
warned,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  December  7"^  1774,  by  Adjournment  of 
the  May  Meeting  from  October  25*- 

The  former  Moderator  being  absent  a  Motion  was  made  &  car- 
ried for  choosing  a  Moderator  Pro  Tempore  by  a  hand  Vole 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
was  chosen  Moderator,  Pro  Tempore  of  this  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  Vote  which  passed  at  a  former  Meet- 
ing, relative  to  Beacon  Hill  was  read  &  considered 

The  Town  Treasurer  attended  by  Order  of  the  Town,  &  being 
asked,  Whether  the  Bonds  of  Submission  relative  to  the  Dispute 
with  M^  Hudson,  about  a  Supposed  Encroachments  on  Beacon 
Hill,  had  been  executed  he  informed  the  Town  that  those  Bonds 
had  not  been  executed 

A  Motion  made  by  James  Otis  Esq.  relative  to  Faneuil  Hall, 
after  some  Debate,  upon  the  Gentleman's  own  Motion  he  had 
Leave  to  withdraw  it 

A  Motion  was  made  &  seconded,  that  upon  Account  of  the  pres- 
ent Difficulties  of  Collecting  tlie  Town  Taxes,  that  the  School 
master  &  Town  Clerk,  shall  be  allowed  Interest  on  the  Sums  they 
shall  have  Draughts  for,  until  they  shall  have  received  Payment ; 
but  the  Town  Treasurer  being  present,  &  acquainting  the  Town, 
that  by  a  former  Vote  the  Schoolmasters  were  allowed  Interest, 
the  Motion  was  withdrawn. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be,  &  he 
hereby  is  directed  &  impowered  to  give  his  Negative  Vote  on  In- 
terest to  the  Town  Clerk,  f<n-  such  Sums  as  he  shall  have  a  War- 
rant upon  the  Treasury  for,  for  Services  done 

[oa>2»']  The  Town  were  informed,  that  the  Collectors  of  Taxes 
for  the  present  Year  had  declined  quaifying  themselves  agreeable 
to  a  Vote  of  the  Town,  &  refused  taking  the  Books  from  ihe  As- 
sessors upon  the  usual  Terras  —  After  considerable  Debate  upon 
this  Matter;  — It  was  the  Sense  of  the  Town  that  Nothing  far- 
ther should  be  said  at  this  Time. 

Whereas  the  Town,  at  their  Meeting  on  the  4*.  of  July  last, 
agreed  with  M'.  Hudson  to  submit  tlie  Disputes  respecting  Beacon 
Hill,  &  Arbitrators  were  mutually  chosen  to  issue  the  Matter  in 
Dispute,  by  tlie  5"".  of  September  last,  &  the  said  Term  being 
elapsed  ;  'tis  now  mutually  agreed  between  the  Town  &  M''.  Hudson, 


Boston  Town   Records,  1773.  197 

that  the  same  Matters  may  be  taken  up  by  the  said  Arbitrators,  & 
awarded  as  soon  as  may  be 

The  Committee  relative  to  Dock  Square  informed  the  Town,  that 
they  were  not  j'et  able  to  Report  at  this  Meeting 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

3  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Coinittee  relative  to  filling  up  the  Dock  having  Eeported 
in  the  forenoon,  that  they  were  not  ready  to  make  Report,  had 
Leave  to  sit  again,  &  said  Coinittee  are  directed  to  take  such 
Affidavits  as  they  may  think  necessary. 

Voted,    that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday   next,  9 
O'clock  forenoon  —  and  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 
Boston  ss.  See  page  501 

At  a  Meeting  of  His  Majestys  Justices  of  the  Peace  dwelling 
in  the  Town  of  Boston  &  the  Selectmen  of  said  Town  June  17"^. 
1773. 

Whereas  a  considerable  number  of  the  Freeholders  &  Other  In- 
habitants of  the  Town  of  Boston  did  by  their  Petition  to  the  Jus- 
tices &  Selectmen  in  said  Town  set  forth  that  the  greatest  part  of 
the  Lands  i'rom  Ann  Street  to  Middle  Street  whereby  the  Fire  which 
happened  in  Boston  [553.]  on  the  3  Day  of  February  1767  be- 
came desolate  &  vacant ;  thay  Paddys  Alley  so  called  which  runs 
through  those  Lands  tho',  very  narrow  was  from  its  situation  ex- 
tremely beneficial  &  useful  to  the  said  Inhabitants  &  that  scarce 
any  Street  in  Town  was  more  improved  than  said  Alley  and  that  it 
was  absolutely  necessary  to  have  a  way  there :  The  Petitioners 
therefore  prayed  that  a  commodious  Street  there  should  be  laid  and 
not  only  for  the  convenience  of  the  Town  but  also  that  such  of  the 
Inhabitants  as  were  burnt  out  might  be  encouraged  to  Rebuild,  and 
upon  consideration  of  the  Premisses  said  Justices  and  Selectmen 
on  the  sixteenth  Day  of  April  Anno  Dom.  1767  laid  out  a  new 
Street  accordingly,  but  the  same  as  then  laid  out  being  found  to 
be  prejudicial  to  numbers  of  Persons  &  Inconvenient  for  the  pub- 
lick,  before  a  Jury  was  Appointed  to  Assess  damages  &c ;  upon  a 
Representation  thereof  made  to  the  General  Court  at  their  Session 
in  January  last  said  Court  by  an  Act  then  passed  did  set  Aside  & 
disannul  what  was  done  by  the  Justices  and  Selectmen  relative  to 
the  laying  out  of  said  new  Street  on  the  sixteenth  Day  of  April 
1767  and  by  said  Act  &  another  Act  passed  by  said  General  Court 
at  their  Session  in  Alay  last  did  give  power  to  the  Justices  in  said 
Town  together  with  the  Selectmen  or  a  major  part  of  each  Assent- 
ing thereto  to  state  &  lay  out  a  new  Street  of  twenty  feet  in  wedth 
from  Ann  Street  to  Middle  Street  beginging  at  Ann  Street  &  so 
running  up  Paddys  Alley  to  the  Brit-k  Wall  on  the  Easterly  end  of 
M'.  Gedneys  Land  in  said  Alley  and  no  further,  —  and  said  Justices 
&  Selectmen  are  also  impowered  bj^  the  last  of  said  Acts  to  lay 
out  said  Street  of  a  greater  wedth  than  twent}'  Feet  in  or  near  the 
middle  part  thereof  if  they  should  Judge,  it  more  convenient  — 
Whereupon  We  Edmund  Quincy,  John  Hill,  Belcher  Noyes,  Arnold 
Wells,  Joseph  Gardner,  John  Avery,  John  Tudor,  &  Samuel  Pem- 
berton,  being  a  major  part  of  his  Majesty's  Justices  of  the  Peace 
for  the  County  aforesaid  dwelling  in  the  Town  of  Boston,  And  we 


198  City  Doctoient  No.  91. 

John  Scollay,  John  Hancock,  Timothy  Newell,  &  Thomas  Mar- 
shall, being  a  Major  part  of  the  Selectmen  of  said  Town  having 
carefully  viewed  the  said  Alley  and  the  Land  made  desolate  &  va- 
cant by  said  Fire  &  duly  considered  of  the  Premisses  have  for  the 
convenienc}^  and  accomodation  of  that  place  and  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants aforesaid  pursuant  to  the  Power  given  us  in  &  by  the  Acts 
aforesaid  Stated  &  laid  out  and  Established  a  New  Street  through 
the  vacant  and  desolate  Lands  aforesaid  including  the  aforesaid 
Alley  in  Manner  following  viz',  beginning  at  the  North  Easterly 
Corner  of  the  Brick  Tenement,  or  [554.]  (Ell,  so  called)  belong- 
ing to  the  Heirs  of  M^  Meriam  Tyler  deceased  fronting  on  said 
Ann  Street  and  from  thence  running  on  said  Street  to  the  North 
East  Corner  of  the  Brick  House  belonging  to  the  Heirs  or  Assigns 
of  Cap'.  William  Fletcher  deceased  measuring  on  said  Ann  Street 
including  Paddys  Alley  aforesaid  twenty  feet,  and  from  said  Ann 
street  il  runs  towards  the  Westward  One  hundred  &  thirty  three 
feet  of  the  wedth  of  twenty  feet,  and  from  thence  it  widens  until 
it  comes  abreast  of  or  opposite  to  Cap'.  Robert  Balls  Gate  where 
said  New  Street  is  twenty  three  feet  Six  Inches  in  wedth,  and  from 
thence  on  said  Opposet  side  it  runs  narrowing  till  it  comes  to  said 
Gedneys  Brick  Wall  where  it  ends  on  this  side  &  is  thereof  the 
wedth  of  twenty  feet,  and  then  said  Street  is  but  fourteen  feet 
wide  and  from  thence  continues  on  a  line  with  said  Gedneys  Dwell- 
ing houses  &  Lands,  somewhat  bevelling  till  it  comes  to  Middle 
Street  where  it  is  but  twelve  feet  wide,  on  the  Opposite  or  South- 
westerly side,  said  new  Street  runs  from  Ann  Street  beginning  at 
the  North  East  Corner  of  said  Fletchers  Brick  House  to  Middle 
Street  and  the  Lands  bounding  thereon  belonging  to  the  Heirs  or 
Assigns  of  said  William  Fletcher  deceased  Jonathan  Cushing  de- 
ceased, Cap'.  Robert  Ball  the  Heirs  or  Assigns  of  Robert  Henry 
deceased,  Joseph  Sherburne  Esq''.  Thomas  Emmons,  Asa  Stodder, 
John  Briant,  and  Joseph  Jackson,  when  it  comes  into  Middle  Street, 
And  we  have  laid  and  set  off,  the  aforesaid  Brick  Ell,  Tenement 
of  said  Tyler,  and  all  the  Lands  of  every  Person  whomsoever  in- 
cluded &  fallen  within  the  Lines  aforesaid  into  the  same  new  Street 
to  remaine  and  continue  a  part  &  parcel  of  said  New  Street  for- 
ever—  In  Witness  whereof  we  hereunto  set  our  hands  the  Seven- 
teeth  Day  of  June  Anno  Domini  1773  John  Scollay,  John  Han- 
cock, Tim".  Newell  Tho'.  Marshall  Selectmen  of  Boston  —  Edm. 
Quincy,  John  Hill,  Belcher  Noyes,  Arnold  Welles,  John  Avery, 
Joseph  Gardner,  John  Tudor,  Sam*.  Pemberton,  Justices  of  the 
Peace — Exam*^.  William  Cooper,  Town  Clerk. 
Suffolk  ss. 

To  Nathaniel  Ruggles  Esq^  James  Hears,  Aaron  Davis  jun'. 
Caleb  Howard,  Samuel  Sumner,  Nathaniel  Felton,  John  Greaton 
jun^  all  of  Roxbury,  Eleazer  Clap  &  SamuelTopliff  of  Dorchester, 
Elisha  Gardner,  Thomas  Aspinwal  &  Eleazer  Baker  all  of  Brook- 
line,  and  all  in  the  County  of  Suffolk  —  Greeting 

Whereas  in  and  by  an  Act  made  and  passed  by  the  Great  and 
[555.]  General  Court  or  Assembly  of  the  Province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  held  at  Boston  by  Adjournment  on  the  third  Day  of 
January  last.     It  was  Enacted  that  it  shall  be  in  the  Power  of  the 


Boston  Town  Records,   1773.  199 

Justices  of  the  Peace  in  the  Town  of  Boston  together  with  the 
Selectmen  (or  the  Major  Part  of  Each  Assenting  thereto)  to  state 
and  lay  out  a  Street  Way  or  passage  through  the  Lands  in  said 
Act  mentioned  twenty  feet  wide  from  Middle  Street  so  called  to  Ana 
Street  so  called,  in  said  Town  as  should  be  most  for  the  Convenien- 
cyand  Accomodation  of  the  place  by  extending  enlarging,  streight- 
ening,  or  otherwise  Altering  the  Street  or  Lane  called  Paddys  Alley 
in  said  Act  Mentioned :  And  that  where  Any  Particular  Person  or 
Persons  shall  have  their  Lands  or  Tenements  or  Any  part  thereof 
taken  away  or  leesen'd  thereby,  A  Jury  of  twelve  Men  shall  be 
Appointed  by  two  Justices  of  the  Peace  and  sworn  to  a  certain  the 
Value  thereof  to  be  paid  by  the  Person  to  whose  Land  the  same 
shall  be  Added  or  by  the  Neighbourhood  or  Town  in  proportion  to 
the  benefits  or  Conveniency  any  shall  have  thereby,  according  to 
their  best  Skill  And  understanding ;  Provided  Nevertheless  that 
the  two  Justices  and  Jury  Aforesaid  shall  not  be  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston.  And  whereas  in  and  by  one  other  Act  or 
the  Great  &  General  Court  aforesaid  made  and  Passed  in  their 
Sessions  in  May  last ;  in  Addition  to  and  explanatory  of  the  afore 
in  Part  Recited  Act,  It  was  Enacted  that  said  Justices  &  Select- 
men of  the  Town  of  Boston,  or  a  Major  Part  of  Each  be  and  they 
were  thereby  impowered  and  directed,  as  soon  as  may  be  to  lay 
out  said  Street  twenty  feet  in  wedth,  begining  at  Ann  Street,  and 
so  running  up  Paddys  Allej'  to  the  Brick  wall  on  the  Eastermost 
End  of  the  Land  of  George  Broughton  Godney  in  said  Alley  and 
no  further ;  And  it  was  further  Enacted,  that  if  said  Justices  and 
Selectmen,  or  a  Major  Part  of  each,  should  Judge  it  more  Conven- 
ient to  have  said  Street  of  a  greater  wedth  than  twenty  feet  in  or 
near  the  middle  Part  of  it,  where  the  Lands  are  vacant,  they  were 
directed  and  impowered  to  lay  out  the  same  Accordingly,  the  Act 
aforesaid  notwithstanding,  And  that  in  all  other  Things  the  Jus- 
tices Selectmen,  Jury  and  all  Persons  interested  or  concerned 
were  to  Proceed  according  to  the  directions  of  the  aforementioned 
Act.  All  which  in  and  by  the  afore  in  part  recited  Acts  (refer- 
ence thereto  being  had)  will  more  fully  Appear.  And  where  as  a 
Major  Part  of  the  Justices,  and  a  Major  part  of  the  Selectmen,  in 
the  Town  of  Boston  aforesaid  in  pursuance  of  the  afore  last  men- 
tioned Act,  have  Staked  and  laid  out  a  Street  including  said  Alley 
in  manner  following  Viz*,  beginning  at  the  North  East  Corner  of 
the  Brick  Tenement  (or  Ell  so  called)  belonging  to  the  heirs  or 
Assigns  of  M^  Meriam  Tyler  deced.  Fronting  on  said  Ann  Street 
and  from  thence  running,  and  [556,]  said  Street  to  the  North- 
east Corner  of  the  Brick  house  belonging  to  the  Heirs  &  Assigns 
of  Cap'.  William  Fletcher  deced,  measuring  on  said  Ann  Street  in- 
cluding Paddys  Alley  aforesaid,  twenty  feet  and  from  said  Ann 
Street  it  runs  towards  the  Westward  One  hundred  &  thirty  three 
feet  of  the  the  wedth  of  twenty  feet,  and  from  thence  it  widens 
untill  it  comes  abreast  of  or  Opposite  to  Cap'.  Robert  Balls  gate 
where  said  New  Street  is  twenty  three  feet  six  inches  in  wedth, 
and  from  thence  on  said  Opposite  side  it  runs  narrowing  till  it 
comes  to  said  Gedneys  brick  wall  where  it  ends  on  this  side  and 
is  there  of  the  wedth  of  twenty  feet,  and  then  said  Street  is  but 


200  City  Document  No.  91. 

fourteen  feet  wide,  and  from  thence  continues  on  a  Line  with  s'd 
Gedneys  Dwelling  houses  and  Lands  somewhat  bevelling  till  it 
comes  to  Middle  Street  where  it  is  but  twelve  feet  wide  ;  on  the 
opposite  or  Southwesterly  side,  said  New  Street  runs  from  Anu 
Street  begining  at  the  Northeast  Corner  of  said  Fletchers  Brick 
Dwelling  house  to  Middle  Street, and  the  Lands  bounding  thereon 
belonging  to  the  Heirs  or  Assigns  of  said  WiUiam  Fletcher  deced 
Jonathan  Gushing  deced,  Cap'.  Robert  Ball,  the  heirs  or  Assigns 
of  Robert  Henry  deceased,  and  William  Jepson  deced,  Thomas 
Emmons,  Asa  Stoddard,  John  Briant,  &  Joseph  Jackson  when  it 
enters  into  Middle  Street,  said  Justices  and  Selectmen  also  laid 
and  Sett  off  the  aforesaid  Brick  Ell  or  Tenement  of  said  Tylers, 
and  all  the  Lands  of  every  Person  whomsoever  included  within  the 
Lines  aforesaid  into  said  New  Street;  to  remain  and  continue  A 
Part  and  Parcel  of  the  same  forever  as  by  the  Return  made  by  the 
Justices  dwelUng  iu  said  Town  of  Bostan,  and  the  Selectmen  of 
said  Town  preference  thereto  being  had  will  fully  Appear. 

Pursuant  therefore  to  the  Directions  of  the  Acts  aforesaid,  and 
by  virtue  of  the  Power  therein  given  to  us,  We  the  Subscribers, 
viz'.  Nathaniel  Hatch  of  Dorchester  and  Joseph  Williams  of  Rox- 

bury two  of  his  Majestys  Justices  of  tlie  Peace  within  and 

for  the  County  of  Suffolk,  do  hereby  Appoint  you  the  said  Na- 
thaniel Ruggles  Foreman  James  Mears  Aaron  Davis  Jun"",  Caleb 
Havard  Samuel  Sumner,  Nathaniel  Felton,  John  Greaton  Jun^ 
Ebenezer  Clap,  Samuel  Toplift,  Elisha  Gardner,  Thomas  Aspin- 

wal  &  Eleazer  Baker A  Jury  and  being  first  sworn  you 

are  to  go  upon  and  view  the  Brick  Tenement  Lands  and  Premisses 
that  are  taken  in,  and  unto  the  said  new  Street  as  stated  and  laid 
out  by  said  Justices  and  Selectmen  as  aforesaid  and  to  whom  they 
belonged,  and  you  are  then  to  Value  and  acertain  the  Loss  and 
Damages  that  any  Person  or  Persons  their  Heirs  or  Assigns  do 
suffer  or  Sustain  by  having  their  Lands  or  Tenement  taken  [557.] 
away  &  added  to  said  New  Street,  and  you  are  to  determin  by 
whom  such  Loss  and  Damages  and  also  the  Costs  and  Charges 
Attending  the  Business  Aforesaid)  shall  be  paid,  and  if  you 
§hould  find  that  any  Person  in  the  Neighbourhood  have  taken  in 
and  Added  to  their  Lands  any  Part  of  said  Paddys  Alley,  or  you 
shall  Judge  the  Town  of  Boston,  or  the  Estate  of  any  Persons  in 
the  Neighbourhood  of  said  new  Street  or  near  the  same  will  be 
benefited  thereby.  You  are  to  Assess  said  Town,  and  Persons  at 
their  Estates,  such  a  Proportion  of  said  Loss  Damages  and 
Charges,  as  to  you  shall  seem  just  according  to  your  best  skill  and 
Understanding  and  as  soon  as  you  have  compleated  the  same  you 
are  to  make  return  hereof  with  your  doings  thereon  unto  Us  or 
one  of  Us,  or  to  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston  aforesaid, 
that  so  the  same  may  be  Entered  with  the  Records  of  said  Town, 
and  said  New  Street  known  for  a  Publick  Street  or  Highway  for- 
ever. Given  under  our  hands  &  Seals  at  Dorchester  the  Nine- 
teenth day  of  July,  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  His  Majestys  Reign 
Annoqe  Dom  ;  1773  Nath'.  Hatch  Jo\  Williams  —  Note  the  Par- 
ties interested  or  concern'd  are  to  be  present  if  they  see  cause 

Suffolk  s".  Roxbury  July  26"".  1773.     The  aforenamed  Nathan- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  201 

iel  Riiggles,  James  Mears,  Aaran  Davis  JLm^  Caleb  Howard, 
Samuel  Sumner,  Nathaniel  Felton,  John  Greaton  J"".  Ebenezer 
Clap,  Samuel  Toplift,  Elisha  Gardner,  Thomas  Aspinwal  & 
Eleazer  Baker,  Personally  Appeared  &  made  Solemn  Oath  that 
they  would  do  and  Perform  all  the  several  Matters  &  things  they 
are  required  &  directed  to  do,  in  &  by  the  afore  written  Warrant 
According  to  their  best  Skill  and  Understanding  Before  Jo\  Wil- 
liams Justice  Peace 

Exam*^.  William  Cooper  Town  Clerk 

We  the  Subscribers  a  Jury  appointed  in  &  by  the  aforewritten 
Warrant  hereunto  annexed  ;  for  the  Purposes  therein  mentioned 
being  sworn  by  Joseph  Williams  Esq"".  One  of  his  Majestys  Jus- 
tices of  the  peace  went  several  times  upon  the  Brick  Tenement 
Lands  &  premisses  taken  away  &  added  to  this  New  Street  by 
Paddeys  Alley  so  Called  in  Boston  stated  &  Laid  out  by  the  Jus- 
tices of  the  Peace  &  Selectmen  of  said  Town  as  particularly  men- 
tioned in  said  Warrant  &  having  Notifyed  the  Proprietors  of  said 
Lands  ;  &  beared  them  as  also  the  Selectmen  [558.]  of  Boston 
we  carefully  viewed  the  same,  and  find  that  the  Lands  &  premisses 
taken  from  several  Persons  and  Added  to  said  New  Street  are  as 
follows  &'^. 

V^.  A  large  Tenement  fronting  Easterly  upon  Ann  Street 
measuring  thereon  fourteen  feet  two  Indies  with  a  Cellar  under 
the  same,  and  from  said  Ann  Street  it  runs  one  hundred  &  fifty 
feet  Nine  Inches  to  the  Westward,  of  the  wedth  of  fourteen  feet 
two  Inches  through  the  Lauds  now  or  late  belonging  to  the  Heirs 
or  Assigns  of  M^  Merriam  Tyler  deced  &  from  thence  said  New 
Street  runs  thro'  the  Lands  of  William  Scott  Sixty  Six  feet  in 
length,  and  fourteen  feet  Six  Inches  in  depth,  &  from  said  Scott 
it  runs  thro  the  Lands  of  Jacob  Emmons  fifteen  feet  in  length  and 
twenty  three  feet  Six  Inches  in  depth,  and  from  said  Emmons  land 
it  runs  tliro'  the  Land  of  William  Simpkins  two  feet  in  length  in- 
cluding one  half  of  a  private  Way  or  Passage  way  that  lay  in 
Common  between  him  &  Joseph  Sherburn  Esq.  being,  as  tis  said 
their  property  &  twenty  one  feet  four  inches  in  depth,  and  from 
thence  it  runs  thro'  said  Sherburns  land  including  his  half  of  said 
Alley  Twenty  two  feet  in  length  &  Twenty  one  feet  four  Inches 
in  depth,  and  from  thence  thro'  the  Lands  belonging  to  the  Estate 
of  James  Dodge  deced  fourteen  feet  six  inches  in  Length  includ- 
ing half  of  a  Private  Alley  or  passage  way  that  (as  tis  said) 
belongs  to  said  Dodges  Estate  and  the  heirs  of  Rachel  Hobby 
deced,  and  Six  feet  in  depth  and  from  thence  it  runs  thro'  the 
Lands  of  said  Rachel  Hobby  or  her  heirs  twelve  feet  Six  inches 
in  length  (including  half  of  said  Alley)  and  Six  feet  in  depth, 
and  then  said  New  Street  meets  with  the  Brick  wall  of  a  house 
belonging  to  George  Broughton  Gedney  where  it  ends  of  the 
Wedth  of  twenty  feet,  and  then  said  Street  is  but  fourteen  feet  in 
Wedth,  &  so  continues  on  a  Line  on  this  Northeasterly  side  with 
said  Gedneys  Dwelling  Houses  &  Lauds  somewhat  bevelling  till  it 
comes  and  enters  into  Middle  Street  where  it  is  but  Twelve  feet 
wide  ;    on  the  Opposet  or  Southwesterly^  side  said  New  Street  runs 


202  City  Document  No.  91. 

from  Ann  Street  to  Middle  Street  &  the  [559.]  Lands  bounded 
thereon  belong  to  the  heirs  of  M".  Margaret  Fletcher  deced 
Margaret  Newman  Cap'.  Robert  Ball  the  Heirs  of  Robert  Henry 
deced  Joseph  Sherburn  Esq"^.  Thomas  Emmons,  Asa  Stoddard 
John  Briaiit  &  Joseph  Jackson  when  it  comes  to  Middle  Street,  or 
be  the  Measure  of  an}'^  of  the  Lauds  aforesaid  be  they  more,  or 
be  they  Less,  We  having  maturely  Considered  of  all  the  Matters 
and  things  we  wei'e  directed  to  in  and  by  the  Warraut  aforesaid, 
do  Report  our  Determination  thereupon  as  follows 

Viz'.  That  the  Heirs  Assigns  or  Proprietors  of  the  Tenement  or 
Ell  &  Lands  belonging  to  the  Estate  of  M" :  Meriam  Tvler  decid, 
be  allowed  &  paid  Two  hundred  &  Thirty  pounds  for  there  Loss 
&  Damages  sustained  by  taking  said  Ell  &  Lands  from  them  as 
laid  out  &  Added  to  the  New  Street  Aforesaid  That  William  Scott 
be  allowed  Twenty  Five  pounds  for  his  Loss  &  Damages  in  taking 
from  him  Lands  that  is  laid  out  in  the  New  Street  Aforesaid  — 
That  Jacob  Emmons  be  Allowed  Five  pounds  for  his  Loss  and  Dam- 
ages in  taking  from  him  Lands  that  is  laid  out  in  the  New  Street 
Afforesaid  That  William  Simpkins  be  Allowed  Five  pounds  for  his 
Loss  and  Damtiges  in  taking  from  him  Lands  that  is  laid  out  in  the 
New  Street  afforesaid  —  That  Joseph  Sherburne  Esq"",  be  Allowed 
Seven  pounds  for  his  Loss  and  Damages  in  taking  from  him  Lands 
that  is  Laid  out  in  the  New  Street  Aforesaid 

That  the  Heirs  of  James  Dodge  be  Allowed  Three  pounds  for 
their  Loss  &  Damages  in  taking  from  them  Lands  that  is  laid  out 
in  the  New  Street  Aforesaid 

[559.]  That  the  Heirs  of  Rachel  Hobby  be  Allowed  Two 
pounds  for  their  Loss  &  Damages  in  taking  from  them  Lands  that 
is  Laid  out  in  the  New  Street  Aforesaid 

That  Sixteen  pounds  Ten  Shillings  be  allowed  the  Justices  & 
Jury  for  their  Time  Trouble  &  Expences  on  the  Business  Assign'd 
them  —  And  we  further  Report  that  George  Broughton  Gedney  be 
&  hereby  is  Assessed  the  Sum  of  Three  pounds  Merriams  Heirs 
One  pound,  Joseph  Jackson  Three  pounds,  John  Bryant  Two 
pounds,  Asa  Stoddard  Four  pounds,  Thomas  Emmons  Five 
pounds,  The  Heirs  of  Robert  Henry  deced  Three  pounds  Robert 
Ball  Eighty  pounds  for  Priveledge  &  Land  taken  in  Belonging  to 
Paddays  Alley,  M"  Newman  Twenty  Five  pounds.  The  Heirs 
of  the  Widdow  Fletcher  deced  Twent}'  pounds  for  their  Priveledge 
being  better  for  the  New  Street 

And  we  further  say  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Seventy  Sev- 
en pounds  Ten  Shillings  Be  paid  by  the  Town  of  Boston  Making 
in  the  whole  the  Sum  of  Three  hundred  &  Twenty  three  pounds 
Ten  Shillings  &  that  be  in  full  (when  paid)  of  Loss  Damages 
Cost  &  Charges  &c.  Attending  the  Business  Aforesaid.  And  We 
further  Report  &  Determine  that  the  Aforesaid  Brick  Tenement 
(or  Ell)  belonging  to  the  heirs  or  Assigns  of  said  Meriam  Tyler 
shall  be  pulled  down,  and  the  Celler  filled  up  and  the  Fences  in- 
cluded in  said  New  Street  be  removed,  at  the  Cost  &  Charga  of 
the  Proprietors  of  said  premisses,  within  Sixty  days  &  that  the 
several  Sum  &  Sums  of  Money  Assessed  on  the  Persons  afore- 
named be  paid  &  the  Work  dun  in  Forty  days  from  the  Date  here- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1773.  203 

of  &  we  hereby  Assess  them  &  Their  Estates  for  payment  of  the 
same  Accordingly  —  And  further  we  do  Allow  &  Assign  unto  the 
Proprietors  of  said  Miriam  Tylers  Estate  All  the  Brick  Windows 
[560.]  And  Materials  of  or  belonging  to  said  Brick  Tenement  or 
Ell,  for  their  Use  &  Benefit  Witness  our  hands  this  Third  Day 
of  August  One  Thousand  Seven  hundred  &  Seventy  three— ^ — 

Nath'  Ruggles,  James  Mears,  Aaron  Davis  Jun""  Caleb  Hayward 
Sam'.  Sumner  Nath'.  Felton,  John  Greaton  Jun'  Ebenezer  Clap 
Sam  Toplift,  Elisha  Gardener,  Tho'.  Aspinwall  Jun''.  Eleazer 
Parker. 

The  aforegoing  Assessment  Exam. 

William  Cooper  Town  Clerk. 


[End  of  Book  5  of  Town  Records.  —  W.  H.  W.] 


BOSTON   TOWN    RECORDS. 


[SIXTH    BOOK.] 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  p  Ad- 
journment of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting  from  November  the  7"*.  at 
Faneuil  Hall,  December  7'\  1774,  10  O'Clock. 

The  former  Moderator  being  absent  it  was  Voted  that  a  Pro 
Temp.  Moderator  be  now  chosen  by  a  Hand  Vote 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  Pro  Tempore. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  a  Committee  be  now  chosen 
toprepare  &  bring  in  a  List  of  proper  Persons,  to  serve  as  a 
Coinittee,    for  cai-rying   the  Resolutions  of   the   late  Continental 

Congress  into  Execution. 

Voted,  that  Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
James  Otis  Esq. 
M''.  Paul  Reverie 
M^  John  Pitts 
M'.  Thomas  Crafts  Jun'. 
Cap'.  Abiel  Ruddock 
M^  Thomas  Chase 

be  a  Committee  for  the  above  Purpose 

Adjourned  to  half  past  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

1/2  past  3  O'Clock  met  according  to  Adjournment 
A  Motion  made,  &  the  question  put,  Whether  it  is  the  sense  of 
the  Town,  that  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence  now  subsists,  &, 
that  they  continue  their  good  services,  till  the  farther  Order  of  the 
Town  —  and  that  either  Seven  of  the  Committee  of  Correspond- 
ence be  &  hereb}-  are  impowered  to  conduct  the  Business  of  said 

Comittee  —  Which  passed  in  the  Affirmative  unanimously. 

[3.]     The  Committee  to  pyepare  a  List  for  a  Committee  of  In- 
spection, &  to  carry  the  Resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress 
into   Execution  Reported  the  following  Names,  &  that  Seven  of 
said  Gentlemen  shall  be  a  Quorum  —  Which  Report  was  accepted 
by  the  Town  — The  Comittee  are  as  follows,  Viz'. 
The  Hon'''®.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 
Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M"^.  Samuel  Adams 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
Col:    Thomas  Marshall 
M^  John  Pitts 
M'.  Oliver  Wendell 


206  City  Document  No.  91. 

M"".  Samuel  Austin 
Benj*.  Austin  Esq. 
Deacon  Caleb  Davis 
M^  Will".  Whitwel 
Samuel  Barret  Esq. 
M''.  Jonathan  Mason 
Capt.  John  Bradford 
M''.  John  Brown 
M'.  William  Powell 
Major  Richard  Boynton 
Ezekiel  Cheever  Esq. 
Capt.  Edward  Proctor 
M''.  James  Ivers 
M"".  Ebenezer  Hancock 
M'.  William  Green  leaf 
M^  Samuel  Whitwell 
M''.  Hermon  Brimmer 
M"".  Martin  Brimmer 
M^  Peter  Boyer 
D"".  Benjamin  Church 
D''.  Joseph  Warren 
Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 
[3.]  Capt.  Benjamin  Waldo 

Capt.  John  Pulling 
M'.  Paul  Reviere 
M^  John  Winthrop 
M'.  Samuel  Pitts 
Capt.  Abiel  Ruddock 
D"".  Charles  Jarvis 
M'.  Thomas  Chase 
Major  Nathaniel  Barbour 
Capt.  Fortesque  Vernon 
Capt.  Job  Prince 
Capt.  Caleb  Hopkins 
M'.  Moses  Gill 
M'.  Thomas  Boylston 
Capt.  John  Marston 
Major  Newman  Greenough 
M^  Moses  Grant 
M^  Foster  Condy 
Henry  Bromfield  Esq. 
M^  Cyrus  Baldwin 
M'.  Bessinger  Foster 
M'.  Isaac  Pierce 
M^  Enock  Brown 
M'.  Joseph  Ayres 
M'.  Henry  Bass 
Capt.  Samuel  Partridge 
M^  Joshua  Bracket 
Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
M'.  Edward  Davis 
Capt.  Ebenezer  Johnson 


Boston  Toavn   Records,  1774.  207 

M^  Elias   Park  man 

M^  Jobu  Avery 

D'.  Nathaniel  Noyes 
On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  tliat  a  Committee  be  appointed  to 
draught  a  Vote  of  Thanks  of  the  Town  of  Boston  expressive  [4.] 
of  their  Gratitude  for  the  benevolent  Assistance  which  they  have 
received  from  the  other  Colonies,  during  their  present  Calamities 
&  particularly  for  generous  Recomendation  of  the  respectable  Con- 
tinental Congress  for  farther  Support  from  their  Sister  Colonies, 
during  their  unhappy  Struggles,  under  the  arbitrary  &  Oppressive 

Measures  of  the  present  British  Administration 

Voted,  that  Jonathan  Williams  Esq.  Moderator 

The  Hou'^''^.  James  Otis  Esq. 

D'.  Benjamin  Church 

D"".  Joseph  Warren 

M'.  John  Pitts 

Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 

M''.  William  Cooper 
be  a  Coinittee  to  prepaie  said  Report,  &  report  the  same  at  the 
Adjournment. 

Voted,  tliat  tliis  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next,  be- 
ing 14*.  Instant,  10  O'ClOck  A.M. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  by  Ad- 
journment of  the  May  Meeting  from  December  7"".  1774  —  at  Fan- 
euil  Hall  December  7*.,  1/2  past  9  O'Clock  A.M. 

M'.  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 

Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  again,  read. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  for  a  farther  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting, 
as  several  Coiiiittees  were  not  ready  to  make  Report 

Voted,  that  all  Matters  &  things  which  remain  unfinished,  be 
referred  over  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to 
Monday  26"".  Instant,  10  O'Clock  forenoon 

And  the  Meeting  was  adjourned  accordingly 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  at  Faneuil  Hall  December  14,  1774,  10  O'Clock  A.M. 
p^  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting 

[5.]     M"".  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 

It  having  been  suggested  in  this  Meeting,  that  a  Paper  signed 
T.  Gage,  being  an  Answer  to  a  Letter,  written  to  General  Gage 
by  the  Hon'''®.  Payson  Randolph  Esq.  President  of  the  late  Con- 
tinental Congress,  contains  diverse  Gross  Mistakes,  to  the  Preju- 
dice of  this  Town, 

Therefore  Voted,  that 

M^  Samuel  Adams 
D'.  Benjamin  Church 
D'.  Joseph  Warren 
be  a  Comittee  to  consider  the  same,  &  to  report  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment.   

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  26"".  of  De- 
cember Instant  11  O'Clock  forenoon 

And  the  Meeting  was  adjourned  accordingly 


208  City  Document  No.  91. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  at 
Faneuil  Hall,  l3ecember  26"".  1774  p  Adjournment  of  the  Mav 
Meeting  —  10  O'Clock  A.M. 

Mr.  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 

The  several  Coinittees  appointed  by  the  Town,  not  being  ready 
to  make  Report  at  the  Adjournment ;  it  was  moved  &  Voted,  that 
this  Meeting  be  farther  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  10  O'Clock  Fore- 
noon 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  at  Fan- 
euil Hall  December  26.  1774  p  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill 
Meeting. 

M'^.  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair. 


A  Motion  made,  that  this  Meeting,  when  adjourned,  shall  be  to 
Fryday  next,  the  30"\  Instant,  11  O'Clock  Forenoon 

Voted,  that  all  Matters  unfinished  at  this  Meeting  be  referred 
over  lo  the  Adjournment. 

[6.]  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  till  Fryday  next  at 
11  O'clock  in  the  Forenoon,  then  to  meet  in  this  Place,  to  receive 
&  act  upon  the  Reports  of  Several  Comittees  ;  &  the  Selectmen  are 
hereby  requested  to  issue  Notifications  and  serve  the  Freeholders 
&  Inhabitants  with  the  same  by  the  Constables  of  the  Town ;  No- 
tifying them,  that  on  the  said  Fryday  next,  the  Town  will,  if  they 
see  Cause,  make  Choice  of  One,  or  more  Delegates,  to  represent  them 
In  the  Provincial  Congress,  to  be  held  at  Cambridge  on  or  before 
the  first  Daj'  of  February  next. 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  the 
26  instant,  1 1  O'Clock  Forenoon 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  p  Adjournment  of  the  May  Meeting 
December  30"^.  1774 

M^  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 


The  Comittee  appointed  by  the  Town  to  consider  of  the  Expedi- 
ency of  filling  up  the  Town  Dock  ;  &  also  make  inquiry  into  the 
Titles  of  the  Abutters  thereon,  being  called  upon  for  their  Report, 
several  of  that  Coinittee  present,  acquainted  the  Town  that  they 
were  not  yet  able  to  make  Report 

Moved  &  Voted,  that  the  above  Coiiiittee  be  desired  to  make  Re- 
port at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

On  a  motion  made  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the 
1''.  Wednesday  in  February  next,  being  the  first  of  that  Month,  10 
O'clock  forenoon 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  by  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meet- 
ing, December  30"".  1774 

M^  Samuel  Adams  in  the  Chair 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  take  under  Consideration  a  Paper 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1774.  209 

signed  T.  G-age,  being  nn  Answer  to  a  Letter  written  to  General 
Gage  by  the  Hon'''®.  Peyton  Randolph  Esq.  President  of  the  late 
Continental  Congress  —  Reported  as  follows,  Viz'. 

[11,]  We  would  not,  unless  urged  by  the  clearest  Necessity, 
have  taken  up  the  Consideration  of  General  Gage's  Letter  to  the 
Honorable  Peyton  Randolph  Esq.  late  President  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  but  we  Conceive  that  Letter,  tho'  it  appears  to  be  ad- 
dressed to  a  Gentleman  in  his  private  Capacity,  has  a  strong  Ten- 
dency to  impress  the  whole  Continent  with  Sentiments  very  unfavour- 
able to  this  afflicted  Town.  We  shall  not  intentionally  throw  Siuy 
disagreeable  Impution  upon  the  General,  but  shall  endeavor  only  to 
defend  ourselves  against  the  injurious  Tendency  of  the  Letter. — 
The  General  contrary  to  tlie  known  Sense  of  every  Man  of  common 
Understanding,  has  been  pleased  to  insinuate,  that  the  Complaints 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  against  his  Conduct  were  utterly  groundless 
&  unreasonable  &  would  have  the  Continent  believe  that,  not  he 
but  the  People  of  the  Province,  &  especially  the  Inhabitants  of 
Boston,  were  the  Aggressions  in  all  the  Differences  which  have 
arisen.  —  We  freely  acknowledge  that  the  Arrival  of  a  British 
Army,  with  a  profess'd  Design  of  enforcing  Acts  of  the  British 
Parliament,  destructive  of  our  Liberties,  gave  a  <ireat  &  universal 
Alarm,  &  it  cannot  appear  strange  that  we  should  be  considering 
of  the  Measures  necessary  to  preserve  our  just  Rights  &  Privi- 
leges. We  hoped  however  that  peaceable  and  ij;entle  means  would 
have  effected  our  Deliverance :  We  believed  that  his  Excellency 
would  have  laid  Some  Proposals  before  the  General  Assembly,  which 
he  had  Summoned  to  meet  at  Salem  ;  but  after  hearing  both  the 
Conncil  &  House  of  Representatives  in  a  Manner,  which  we  shall 
not  animadvert  on,  he  was  pleased  to  dissolve  the  Assembly  :  The 
People  were  then  compelled  to  turn  their  tho'ts  &  Atiention  to 
other  Methods  of  preventing  the  impending  Destruction.  And,  tho, 
thus  distressed,  his  Excellency  would  gladly  have  prevented  them 
from  availing  themselves  of  the  Counsel  of  each  other  in  Town 
Meetings  ;  &  actually  ordered  the  Marching  of  a  Body  of  armed 
Soldiers  to  disperse  the  Lihabitants  of  the  Town  of  Salem,  when 
peaceably  assembled  to  consult  upon  the  most  important  Literests 
of  themselves  &  Posterity  :  This  was  followed  b}^  the  seizing  of  the 
Powder  in  the  Magazine  at  Cambridge,  &  of  the  Common,  which 
had  been  lent  to  the  first  Regiment  in  Middlesex  :  The  Mounting 
a  Number  of  Field  Pieces  on  an  Eminence  in  Boston  Common  :  the 
Stationing  Guard  in  various  Parts  of  the  [8.]  Town,  &  many 
other  Acts,  which  could  not  leave  any  Doubt  in  the  Minds  of  the 
People,  of  the  Generals  Intention  to  employ  Military  Force  against 
the  Province,  at  length  roused  the  People  to  think  of  defending 
themselves  &  their  Property  by  Arms,  if  nothing  less  could  save 
them  from  Violence  &  Rapine.  For  the  Justification  of  the  Con- 
duct of  the  People  in  that  Respect,  we  may  safely  appeal  to  the 
Continent.  —  to  the  World,  &  to  the  supreme  Omniscient  Governor 
of  the  Universe.  —  All  the  Transactions  from  the  first  Arrival  of  the 
Troops  we  hope  will  hereafter  be  critically  &  judiciously  examined  : 
And  we  ti;ist  that  the  time  will  come,  when  we  shall  have  a  fair  & 
impartial  Hearing. —  We  mean  not  now  to  give  particular  Answers, 


210  City  Document  No.  91. 

except  such  Parts  of  the  General's  Letter,  as  seem  to  charge  the 
Continental  Congress,  with  having  misconceived  the  Facts  stated  in 
their  Letter  to  him. 

First,  His  Excellency  says,  that  from  the  Letter  (meaning  the 
Letter  from  the  Hon^'^.  Continental  Congress)  "  People  would  be 
led  to  believe,  that  Works  were  raised  against  the  Town  of  Boston, 
private  Property  invaded,  the  Soldiers  suffered  to  insult  the  Inhab- 
itants &  the  Communication  between  the  Town  &  County  shut  up  & 
molested  "  How  far  his  Excellency  was  governed  by  the  Consider- 
ation of  what  Answer  he  should  make,  when  he  gave  this  Town  to 
the  Expressions  of  the  Congress,  need  not  be  enquired  into.  To  this 
Charge  his  Excellency  replies,  that  "There  is  not  a  single  Gun 
pointed  against  the  Town."  His  Excellenc}'  did  not  advert  to  the 
Number  of  Field  Pieces,  which  were,  at  the  Time  the  Letter  was 
written,  &  long  before,  pointed  against  the  Town  from  the  Com- 
mon ;  but  if  the  Assertion  had  been  lilerall}'  true,  it  would  not  in 
the  least  affect  the  Point  under  Consideration. 

Are  not  the  Works  on  the  Neck  in  Reality  erected  against  the 
Town?  Are  they  not  designed  to  intimidate  the  Inhabitants,  &  to 
lead  them  to  think  they  were  altogether  in  the  Power  of  the  Army? 
The  Continental  Congress  plainly  express  the  Sense  in  which  they 
mean  to  be  understood  by  his  Excellency.  They  say,  "■  that  the 
Fortifications  erecting  within  that  Town  (Boston)  the  frequent  In- 
vasions of  private  Property,  &  the  repeated  Insults  they  (the  In- 
habitants) receive  from  the  Soldiery,  have  given  them  great  Reason 
to  suspect  a  Plan  is  formed,  very  destructive  to  them,  &  tending  to 
overthrow  the  Liberties  of  America."  —  The  General  therefore  has 
in  no  Way  answer'd  the  Charge  bro't  against  him,  but  has  only  by 
varying  the  Expression,  attempted  to  elude  it. 

[9.]  The  next  Assertion  is,  That  no  Man's  Property  has  been 
seized  or  hurt,  except  the  King's.  — We  need  not  enumerate  all  the 
Instances  of  Property  seized  ;  it  is  enough  to  Say,  that  a  Number  of 
Cannon,  the  Property  of  a  respectable  Merchant  in  this  Town  were 
seized  &  carried  off  by  force  :  That  Timber  &  other  Lumber  have 
been  violently  taken  from  the  Owners -^  that  rightful  Proprietors 
have  been  driven  from  their  Lands.  —  It  is  impossible  for  us  to 
mention  One  half  of  the  Influences,  in  which  Property  has  been  hurt 
they  are  notorious  to  every  Inhabitant,  &  have  been  made  known  to 
the  Public  from  time  to  time. 

His  Excellency  pleased  to  say  that,  "  no  Troops  have  ever  given 
less  Cause  for  Complaint,  &  greater  Care  was  never  taken  to  prevent 
it."  What  Care  h:is  been  taken  is  not  our  Part  to  determine,  we 
are  ready  to  admit  the  most  candid  Opinion.  But  we  beg  leave  to 
sa}-,  that  the  Insults  received  from  Officers  &  Soldiers,  have  been 
in  many  Instances,  such  as  were  shocking  to  a  spirited  People,  & 
of  which,  Humanity  in  some  Instances,  Decency  in  others,  &  in  all, 
a  generous  Disposition  to  avoid  placing  even  those,  who  have  in- 
jured us,  in  an  odious  Light,  prevent  us  from  giving  a  particular 
Account. 

The  General  declares  that,  "  the  Comunication  between  the  Town 
&  Country  has  always  been  free  &  unmolested,  &  is  so  scill."  We 
shall  only  give  the  Facts.  — Guards  were  fixt  at  every  Entrance  of 


Boston  Town  Records,  1774.  211 

the  Town  —  No  Person  was  allowed  to  cross  the  Feriy  to  Charles- 
town  after  8  O'Clock  in  the  Evening,  however  urgent  his  Business 
—  Passengers  on  the  Neck  were  stopt  for  Hours  together  by  the 
Guard — their  Property  injured  or  destroyed. — One  Inhabitant  stopt 
in  his  Chaise,  &  his  Horse  stabb'd  with  a  Bayonet  —  others  were 
a  shamefully  beaten  abused  &  confined,  &  many  other  Instances, 
very  alarming  to  our  Friends  in  the  Country,  whose  free  Ingress 
to  the  Town  is  essential  to  our  Subsistence. 

The  General  perhaps  might  not  justify  these  Enormities  ;  but 
could  he  not  have  prevented  them  by  removing  the  Cause  of  those 
frequent  Abuses?  Be  that  as  it  may  ;  could  he  with  Justice  assert 
that  "the  Comunicatiou  between  the  Town  &  Country  has  always 
been  free  &  unmolested,  &  is  so  still." 

We  wish  the  General  had  given  us  some  particular  Instances  con- 
cerning "  the  Menaces  of  Blood  &  Slaughter,"  which  he  intimates 
made  it  his  Duty  to  alarm  &  distress  the  People  in  the  Manner  he 

has  already  done. 

[10.]  We  doubt  not  that  we  shall  be  able  fully  to  answer  his 
Excellency,  whenever  he  is  pleased  to  descend  to  particulars.  We 
can  only  say  at  present  that  we  conceive  his  Excellency  to  have 
been  very  ill  advised  in  the  Measures  he  has  pursued,  &  that  we 
ardently  wish  for  an  Opportunity  to  meet  our  Adversaries  upon 

a  just  Ground. 

The  above  Report  having  been  considered  Paragraph  by  Para- 
graph, it  was  Voted,  Nem.  Con.  that  the  same  be  accepted  &  that 
the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  be  desired  to  transmit  a  Copy  of  the 
Report  inclosed  in  a  respectful  Letter  to  the  Hon**'^.  Peyton  Ran- 
dolph Esq.  by  the  first  Opportunity. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Report  be  pub- 
lished in  the  several  News  Papers.  

The  Resolves  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  the 
Choice  of  new  Delegates  for  another  Provincial  Congress,  were 
read,  whereupon  a  Motion  was  made  for  the  Choice  of  one  or  more 
Delegates  for  the  Provincial  Congress,  designed  to  be  held  at  the 
Town  of  Cambridge  on  or  before  the  1'.  of  February  next  —  which 
passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  Seven  be  the  Number  of  Delegates  to  be  chosen  for 

the  Purpose  aforesaid. 

The  Inhabitants  having  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Dele- 
gates for  the  intended  Provincial  Congress,  upon  sorting  them  it 
appeared,  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen.  Viz'., 
The  Hon"^  Thomas  Gushing  Esq. 
M"".  Samuel  Adams 
Hon^'''.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
D"^.  Joseph  Warren 
D"^.    Benjamin  Church 
M^  Oliver  Wendell 
M^  John  Pitts 
The  following  Vote  expressive  of  the  Gratitude  of  the  Town  for 
the  benevolent  Assistance  received  from  the  other  Colonies  under 
our  present  Calamities,  &  the  kind  Recommendation  of  the  late  re- 
spectable Continental  Congress  for  future  Support  —  Passed  Nem. 
Cont. 


212  City  Document  No.  91. 

[11.]  Whereas  the  Town  of  Boston  is  unfortunately  bocome  the 
most  striking  Monument  of  Ministerial  Tyranny  &  Barbarity,  as  is 
particularly  exhibited  in  the  sudden  shutting  up  this  Port  thereby 
cruelly  depriving  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Metropolis  of  the  Means  they 
have  hitherto  used  to  support  their  Families  ;  And  whereas  our 
Brethren  of  in  the  other  Colonies,  well  knowing  that  we  are  sutfering 
in  the  common  Cause  of  America  &  of  Mankind  have,  from  a  gener- 
ous &  Brotherly  Disposition  contributed  largel}'  towards  our  Support 
in  this  Time  of  our  General  Distress  (withoutwhichmanyof  ourwor- 
thy  and  virtuous  Citizens  must  have  boen  in  imminent  Danger  of 
perishing  with  Cold  &  Hunger)  —  And  whereas  the  Hon**'^ .  Mem- 
bers of  the  Continental  Congress  have  kindly  recommended  us  to 
our  Sister  Colonies,  as  worthy  of  farther  Support  from  them,  while 
the  Iron  Hand  of  unremitting  Oppression  lies  heavj^  upon  us. 
Therefore  Voted,  that  this  Town,  truely  sensible  of  ^the  generous 
Assistance  they  have  received  from  their  sympathizing  Brethren, 
return  them  their  warmest  &  most  sincere  Thanks  for  the  same  : 
And  they  pray  that  GOD,  whose  Beneficence  they  so  gloriousl}' 
imitate,  may  bestow  upon  them  the  Blessings  he  has  promised  to 
all  them,  who  feed  the  hungry  &  cloath  the  naked  :  And  the  Thanks 
of  this  Town  are  accordingly  hereby  given  to  our  Benefactor  afore- 
mentioned, &  to  the  Hon""'^.  Members  of  the  Congress  for  their 
Benevolence  towards  us,  expressed  as  aforesaid,  which  Support, 
if  continued  cannot  fail  of  animating  us  to  remain  stedfast  in 
defending  the  Rights  of  America. 

The  Hon'''^ .  James  Otis  Esq^  being  present  moved  that  he  might 
be  dismissed  as  One  of  tha  Coihittee  of  Correspondence  for  the 
Town  of  Boston,  And  the  Qnestion  being  accordingly  put,  passed 
in  the  Affirmative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &    seconded. 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon**'^.  James  Otis  Esq^  for  his  Services,  as  a  Member  of  the 
Committee  of  Correspondence,  &  for  his  Offers  of  such  farther  Ser- 
vices as  he  might  be  capable  of  rendering. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  1'.  day 
of  February  next,  11  O'Clock  forenoon. 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

[12.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  by  Adjournment  of  the  May 
Meeting,  February  1'.    1775. 

M^  Adams  the  Moderator  being  at  Cambridge,  attending  the 
Provincial  Congress, 

M'.  William  Whitwell 
was  chosen  Moderator  pro  temp,  by  a  Hand  Vote. 

The  Cotiiittee  appointed  to  consider  the  Request  of  a  Number  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  that  the  Incumberances  on  Dock 
Square  may  be  removed  &  Measures  taken  for  filling  up  the  Dock 
that  so  Room  may  be  made  for  the  Standing  of  Horses  Hacks  of 
those  Country  People,  who  bring  Provisions  for  sale  to  the  Market 
&  to  treat  with  the  Proprietors,  if  the  CoiSittee  have  any  Doubt,  as 
to  the  Title  of  the  Town  to  said  Dock  —  Now  Report  —  That  they 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775.  213 

have  met  several  Times  &  examined  into  the  Town's  Right  to  said 
Dock,  &  into  some  Privileges  anciently  granted  to  certain  Persons, 
who  then  lived  near  to  said  Dock,  or  were  interested  in  Lands  abut- 
ting thereupon  :  And  upon  the  whole  the  Couiittee  are  of  Opinion, 
that  the  Town  have  an  undoubteil  Ili<rht  to  said  Dock,  &  may  fill  it 
up,  or  improve  the  same  as  they  shall  judge  proper,  so  far  as  to 
meet  the  Slip  that  enters  into  said  Dock  just  above  the  Bridge  ;  & 
if  the  same  is  filled  up  the  Committee  propose  to  the  Town,  that  a 
Passage  may  be  laid  out  of  such  a  Wedth  as  will  be  most  convenient 
for  Carts,  Trucks  &  other  Carriages,  beginning  at  the  Southeast 
Corner  of  said  Do9k,  &  running  upon  a  Line  nearly  strait,  between 
the  Dwelling  House  of  the  late  Thomas  Tyler  Esq'.  &  the  Ware- 
house of  John  Boreland  Esq.  &  that  when  said  Dock  is  fiUeil  up  the 
Rails  above  be  bro't  down,  &  fixed  on  the  Sides  of  said  Pas- 
sage Way.  The  Committee  judge  that  this  will  make  a  Passage 
Way  full  large  for  the  Accommodation  of  all  Carts,  Horses  &  Car- 
riages for  Persons  that  bring  Provisions  for  Sale,  &  it  will  thereby 
prevent  the  great  Annoyances  Inconveniences  &  Dangers,  that  the 
Inhabitants  &  others  are  exposed  to  by  the  Country  People  filling 
up  with  their  Carts  [13.]  Teams,  Stalls,  Benches  &  Stands,  the 
Street  &  Squai*e  from  ]\T.  Simsons  Store-shop  to  the  Market: 
And  the  Comittee  would  recorheud  to  the  Town,  to  take  such 
Methods  as  shall  be  effectual  to  prevent,  to  prevent  any  of  the  In- 
habitants of  the  Town,  &  all  other  Persons  whatever,  standing  or 
continuing  in  said  Square,  or  in  the  narrow  Street  between  M''. 
Dolbear's  Shop  &  Deacon  Ne well's  Shop  so  far  into  Union  Street, 
as  runs  on  a  Line  with  the  North  Side  of  Ann  Street,  &  also  in  all 
other  Places  &  Avenues  that  lead  to  the  Market,  or  to  the  afore- 
said Places  assigned  for  the  Conveniency  thereof  ;  &  that  none  be 
allowed  to  fix,  stand  or  continue  without  the  aforesaid  Limits  near 
to  the  same,  with  Carts,  Horses  Stalls,  Benches  Wheelbarrows  or 
Baskets,  or  any  of  them  for  the  Sale  of  any  Article  or  Commodity 
whatever ;  &  if  any  Person  shall  transgress  herein,  that  they  be 
prosecuted  for  the  same  :  And  for  the  Encouragement  of  the  Coun- 
try People,  who  bring  any  thing  for  Sale  to  the  Market,  the  Comit- 
tee propose,  that  it  be  left  to  the  Discretion  of  the  Selectmen, 
whether  any.  Consideration,  &  how  much  shall  be  paid  by  those 
Persons,  that  shall  improve  or  occupy  any  Part  of  Faneuil  Hall 
Market,  or  the  Enclosures  of  the  same  ;  And  that  these  Regula- 
tions may  take  Effect,  the  Coiiiittee  would  farther  recommend  to 
the  Inhabitants,  that  they  do  not  purchase  Provisions,  or  any  other 
Article  of  such  Persons  as  shall  refuse  to  comply  with  the  same  ;  & 
if  the  Town  shall  determine  to  fill  up  said  Dock,  the  Coinittee  ad- 
vise that  it  be  done  as  speedily  as  may  be,  &  that  the  Selectmen 
be  desired  &  directed  to  take  Care,  that  all  Drains  &  Conveyances 
of  Water,  that  belong  to  private  Persons,  &  that  have  heretofore 
emptied  themselves  into  said  Dock,  be  carried  out  at  the  Expense 
of  the  Town,  so  as  no  Stoppage  or  Obstruction  may  happen  to  pri- 
vate Property.  The  Comittee  would  mention  to  the  Town,  that 
the  Heirs  of  the  late  D^  Will™.  Davis  claim  a  Right  to  the  Dock- 
age, Wharffage  &  Morage  of  such  Vessels  as  can  lay  in  that  lay  in 
that  Part  of  the  Dock,  that  is  before  the  Warehouses  of  the  late 


214  City  Document  No.  91. 

John  Fayerweather  Esq  ;  but  the  same  not  appearing  Clear  to  the 
Comittee,  they  only  say  upon  it,  that  when  it  shall  appear  they 
have  such  Right,  an  adequate  Consideration  should  be  made  them, 

&  which  the  Town  will  undoubtedly  make  to  them All  which 

is  humbly  submitted  by 

ezekiel  goldthwait 
John  Scollat 

[14.]  Joseph  Jacksok 

Joshua  Blanchard 
John  Rowe 
the  above  Report  having  been  voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  the 
same  be  referred  to  the  Annual  Town  Meeting  in  March  next. 

The  Overseers  of  the  Poor  having  represented  to  the  Town  the 
Difficulties  they  are  under  for  Want  of  Money  to  support  the  Alms 
House,  the  Collectors  of  last  Year  not  having  jet  taken  the  Books, 
It  was 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be,  &  hereby  is  directed  &  im- 
powered  to  borrow  upon  Interest  for  the  Supply  of  the  Almshouse, 
One  tliousand  Pounds  lawful  Money  for  One  Year,  &  that  he  give 
his  negotiable  Note  or  Notes  for  the  same,  which  Note,  or  Notes  are 
to  be  paid  off  upon  the  Receipt  of  the  Money  now  due  to  this  Town. 

Voted,  That  all  Matters  &  things  that  remain  unfinish'd  at  this 
Meeting  be  &  hereby  are  referred  over  to  the  Annual  Town  Meet- 
ing in  March  next. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  liostou  at  Faneuil  Hall  February  5'.  1775  p  Adjournment 
of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting. 

M^  Samuel  Adams  the  Moderator  of  the  Meeting  being  absent, 
&  attending  the  Provincial  Congress, 

M^  WilUam  Whitwell 
was  chosen  Moderator  Pro  Tempore. 

Upon  a  Motion  made 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  "Wednesday  the  22^. 
instant  1 1  O'Clock  Forenoon 

And  the  Meeting  was  adjourned  accordingly. 

Town  met  according  to  Adjournment  February  22*^.  1775  —  11 
O'clock  A.M. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
Monday  the  G"'.  Day  of  March  next,  9  O'Clock  A.M. 

[15.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston,  legally  warned,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  March  6'^. 
1775,  by  Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting. 

M'.  Samuel  Adams  Moderator. 

The  Comittee  appointed  by  the  Town  the  5"*.  of  INIarch  last,  to 
apply  to  a  proper  Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration,  the  5'^^.  of  March 
Instant,  to  perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  horrid  Massacre  perpe- 
trated on  the  Evening  of  the  Fifth  of  March  1770  — by  a  Party  of 
Soldiers,  under  the  Order  &  Eye  of  Capt.  Thomas  Preston  of  the 
29"".  Regiment,  Reported 

That  having  met  together  for  the  Purposes  mentioned  in    the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775.  215 

Town's  Vote,  they  had  made  Choice  of  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  to  de- 
liver an  Oration  on  the  6"^.  of  March  instant,  who  had  accordingly 
accepted  of  said  Service, 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  made  by  M^  Samuel  Adams, 
Chairman  of  the  Coinittee  —  the  Question  was  put  —  Whether  the 
same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  Town  took  into  Consideration  what 
Time  would  be  best  for  the  Oration  to  be  pronounced,  as  also  the 
Place  that  would  be  most  suitable  for  the  Purpose  —  whereupon — ■ 

Voted,  that  the  Oration  be  delivered  at  half  past  Eleven  O'Clock, 
at  the  Old  South  Meeting  House,  the  Hall  not  being  capacious 
enough  to  contain  the  Inhabitants,  that  may  attend  upon  this  Occa- 
sion :  the  Coinittee  of  that  Society  having  upon  Application  con- 
sented, that  said  Meeting  House  should  be  made  Use  of  for  this 
Service. 

Voted,  that  the  Hon*^'®.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M"".  Samuel  Austin. 
M'.  William  Cooper 
be  a  Comittee  to  wait  upon  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  &  acquaint  him, 
that  it  is  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  the  Oration  may  be  delivered 
at  the  old   South  Meeting  House,  at  half  after  11   O'Clock  this 
Forenoon. 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  now  adjourned 
to  the  Old  South  Meeting  House,  to  meet  there  at  half  past  Eleven 
O'clock. 

[16.]  The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment,  at  the  Old 
South  Meeting  House  half  past  11  O'Clock  A.M. 

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  wait  on  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  to  ac- 
quaint him  with  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  respecting  the  Time  and 
Place  for  the  Delivery  of  an  Oration 

Reported,  that  said  Gentleman  was  ready  to  comply  with  the  Or- 
ders of  the  Town  made  known  to  him  by  tlieir  Committee 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  there  be  a  Collection  made  in 
this  Meeting  for  M^  Christopher  Monk,  a  young  Man,  now  lan- 
guishing under  a  Wound  he  received  in  his  Lungs,  by  a  Shot  from 
Preston's  Butchering  Party  of  Soldiers  on  the  o*.  of  March  1770  — 

An  Oration  to  commemorate  the  Horrid  Massacre  of  the  fifth  of 
March  1770,  &  to  impress  on  the  Minds  of  the  Citizens  the  ruinous 
Tendency  of  standing  Armies  being  placed  in  free  &  populous 
Cities  &c  was  delivered  by  Joseph  Warren  Esq.  to  a  large  and 
crouded  Audience,  &  received  by  them  with  great  Applause. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to 
Joseph  Warren  Esq.  for  the  Elegant  &   Spirited  Oration  delivered 
by  him  at  their  Request,  in  Coinemoration  of  the  horrid  Massacre, 
perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5*.  of  March  1770,  by  a  Party 
of  Soldiers,  of  the  29*.  Regiment,  under  the  Command  of  Capt. 
Thomas  Preston  Also  —  Voted,  that 
M''.  Samuel  Adams 
The  Hon'"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
Benjamin  Church  Esq. 
,    M'.  John  Pitts 


216  City  Document  No.  91. 

t 
M'.  John  Scollay  Esq. 
Col.  Thomas  Marshall 
M"".  Samuel  Austin 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Comittee  to  wait  upon  Joseph  Warren 
Esq.  &  in  the  Name  of  the  Town  to  require  of  him  a  Copy  of  said 

Oration  for  the  Press. 

Moved,  &  also  Voted,  that  what  Money  shall  be  collected  at  this 
Meeting  for  the  Relief  of  M^  Monk,  be  put  iuto  the  hands  of  the 
Selectmen,  &  by  them  applied  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid  as  they  shall 

judge  best  for  the  Sufferer. 

[17.]     Upon  a  Motion  made  &  Seconded 
Voted,  that  M"".  Samuel  Adams 

The  hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
Joseph  Warren  Esq. 
M'.  John  Brown 
Samuel  Pemberton  Esq. 
Jolm  Adams  Esq. 
Benjamin  Church  Esq. 
M^  John  Pitts 
John  Scollay  Esq. 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee,  to  apply  to  a  proper  Gen- 
tleman to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5"'.  of  March  next,   to  perpet- 
uate the  Memory  of  the  Horrid  Massacre,  perpetrated  on  the  Even- 
ing of  the  S*!^.  of  March  1770,  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers    of  the  29"'. 
Regiment,  under  the  Command  of  Capt.  Thomas  Preston  :  And  to 
impress  ui)on  our  Minds,  the  ruinous  Tendency  of  Standing  Armies, 
in  free  &  populous  Cities,  in  a  Time  of  Peace  ;   &  the  Necessity  of 
such  noble  Exertions  in  all  future  Times,  as  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  then  made,  whereby  the  Designs  of  the  Conspirators  may  be 

still  frustrated. 

A  Collection  for  M"".  Monk  was  made,  agreable  to  a  foregoing 
Vote,  which  amounted  to  the  Sum  of  &  the 

same  was  lodged  with  the  Selectmen  for  the  Use  of  said  Monk. - 

Upon  a  Motion  made  and  seconded. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  27"^.  Day 
of  Marcli  177.5,  10  O'Clock  forenoon. 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town  Mi^et- 
ing  assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Monday  the  13'**.  day  or  March 
Anno  Domini  1775. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev"^ .  D"".  Cooper 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  Read  

Sundry  Laws  enjoined  to  be  read  at  this  Meeting  were  accord- 
ingly read. 

[18.]  The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

The  hon'''^.  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen,  who  took  the  Chair 
accordingly. 

M^  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
&  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of  his  Duty, 
which  Oath  was  administred  to  him  by  M''.  Justice 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775.  217 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen  and  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

The  hoii'''®.  John  Hancock  Esq. 

M'.  Timothy  Newell 

Col:  Thomas  Marshall 

M^  Samuel  Austin 

M^  Oliver  Wendell 

M^  John  Pitts 

were  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Overseers  of  the 
poor  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

John  Barrett  Esq. 

William  Phillips  Esq. 

M'.  Benjamin  Dolbear 

M^  Will™.  Whitwel 

M'.  Will'".  Greenleaf 

John  Leveret  Esq. 

Capt.  Samuel  Partridge 

M'.  Samuel  Whitwel 

M^  Samuel  Abbot 

M-".  Daniel  Waldo 

M^  John  White 

Capt.  Edward  Proctor 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[19.]     The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Wardens, 
and  upon  Sorting  them  it  appeared,  that, 

M''.  Penuel  Bo  wen 

Capt.  Samuel  Ridgway 

M'.  John  Hooton     -     -     -       excused 

Capt.  Jonathan  Freeman 

M^  Peter  Verstille 

M"".  Samuel  Bangs     -     -    -      excused 

M'.  Nathaniel  Shepherd 

M'.  Joseph  VVebb 

IVF.  Ebenezer  Dorr 

M'.  Samuel  Sloane 

M'.  Stephen  Hall 

M'.  Bessinger  Foster     -     -      excused 

were  chosen  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire  Wards,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

Newman  Greenleaf  Esq. 

M"".  William  Cooper 

Col:  Thomas  Marshall 

Capt  Benjamin  Waldo 

M^  Samuel  Adams     -     -     -     excused 

Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

Capt  Job  Prince 

Capt  Edward  Proctor 

Capt  John  Pulling 


218  City  Document  No.  91. 

Deacon  Caleb  Davis 
Capt  Abiel  Ruddock 
Capt  Samuel  Banet 
M"".  Stephen  Cleverly 
M"".  Ebenezer  Hancock 
W.  Thomas  Crafts  Jun\ 

were  chosen  Fire  Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[30.]  The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town 
Treasurer,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M'.  David  Jeffries 
was  chosen  Town  Treasurer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  the  Question  was  put  — 
Whether  Collectors  of  Taxes  shall  be  chose  seperate  from  Consta- 
bles —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  remitted  out  of  the  Ten 
Pounds  Fine  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chosen  into  the  Office  of 
Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing,  &  shall  decline  Serving. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Constables, 
the  Persons  chose  into  the  Office  are 
Mess".  Augustus  Hail 
Stephen  Syms 
John  Bennet 
George  Thomas 
Thomas  Bell 
Joseph  Foye 
John  Coverly 
Will"^.  Todd 
John  Hammett 
Samuel  Greenleaf 
Matthew  Nazro 
John  Wells 
Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  brought  in,  &  being  sealed  up  in 
Town  Meeting,  were  delivered  to  M'.  Constable  Bennet,  for  him  to 
return  to  the  Court  ©f  Sessions  at  their  next  Meeting. 

M'.  Samuel  Abbot  having  sent  in  his  Desire  to  the  Town  that  he 
might  be  excused  from  serving  any  longer,  as  an  Overseer  of  the 
Poor,  on  Account  of  his  being  obliged  to  be  much  out  of  Town,  he 

was  accordingly  excused 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  & 
hereby  are  given  to  M"".  Samuel  Abbot  for  his  good  Services  as  an 

[31.]     Overseer  for  a  Number  of  Years  past. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor, 
in  the  Room  of  M^  Samuel  Abbot,  who  was  excused  &  upon  sort- 
ing them  it  appeared,  that 

M'.  Jonathan  Mason 

was  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Warden,  and  upon  sort- 
ing them  it  appeared,  that 

M'.  Adam  Colson 

was  chosen  a  Warden  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

M"".  Samuel  Adams  chosen  a  Fire  Ward,  having  excused  him- 
self from  serving  in  that  Office 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775.  219 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Fire  Ward  in  his 
Room,  &  upon  Sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

Ezekiel  Cheever  Esq. 
was  chosen  a  Fire  Ward  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  & 
hereby  are  given  to  M"".  Samuel  Adams  for  liis  good  Services,  as  a 
Fire  Ward  in  Years  past. — — 

Mess".  Martin  Brimmer 

Andrew  Brimmer     -     -     -     -      excused 

Simon  Tufts 

Nathaniel  Greenough 

Jeremiah  Allen 

Edward  Gray 

Abraham  Burgess 

James  Swan 

Jonathan  Pollard 

Lendal  Pitts 

Joseph  Sherburne  Jun'. 

Joseph  Ward 

were  chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[33.]     Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.  M^ 

3  O'clock  P.M.  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment 

M''.  Andrew  Brimmer,    agreable   to  the  Request,  was   excused 

from  serving  as  a  Clerk  of  the  Market. 

M'.  Samuel  Bangs,   agreable  to  his  Request,  was  excused  from 

serving  as  a  Warden. 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be,  &  hereby  are  impowered  &  directed 
to  set  for  Abatement  of  such  Taxes  as  they  shall  think  reasonable, 
on  every  Wednesday,  untill  the  last  Wednesday  in  April  inclusive, 
&  no  longer,  saving  that  they  be  allowed  to  sit  the  Two  last  Weeks 
in  November,  for  the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as 
had  not  an  Opportunity  of  applying  in  the  above  limitted  Time,  by 
reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province  —  At  which  time  they 
are  also  allowed  and  impowered,  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  such  Per- 
sons as  may  have  died  insolvent  between  the  said  last  Wednesday 

in  April,  &  the  last  Day  of  November 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assessors,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that, 

Deacon  Benjamin  Church 

M'.  Daniel  Pecker 

Deacon  Jonathan  Brown 

Gyles  Harris  Esq. 

Capt  Samuel  Downe 

M"^.  William  Lowder 

M'.  Samuel  Johnson 
were  chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing.— — 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 
was  chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  John  Greenough 

Clement  Collins 

Abraham  Howard 


220  City  Document  No.  91. 

Andrew  S3'inmes 
Joseph  Butler 
Benjamin  Page 
[23.]  Joseph  Ford 

John  Rogers 
Thomas  Uran 
Edward  Ranger 
Jacob  Thayer 
John  Bulflnch  jua'. 
Joseph  Ballard 
James  Blake 
John  Lambert  jun'. 
Nathan  Hancock 
Ebenezer  Flood 
were  chosen  Surve3'ors  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess". William  Crafts 

John  Lambert  jun'. 
Nathaniel  Wales 
Nathan  Hancock 

were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Daniel  Parks 
Samuel  Bangs 
Jacob  Holland 
Benjamin  Bass 
Nathan  Green 
were  chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess".  Adam  Colson 
Thomas  Edes 
were  chosen  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess".  John  Bound dead 

John  Owen 
Peter  Cotta 
Menasseh  Masters 
Benjamin  Barnard 
Edward  Cowell 
Israel  Cook 
Richard  Flood 
[34.]  Samuel  Prichard 

Benjamin  Sault 
Jacob  Williams 
Joshua  Pico 

were  chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  &  Hoops  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Benjamin  Blake 
Ralph  Morgan 
Elijah  Searl 

were  chosen  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing 

M'.  William  M=.  Fadden 

was  chosen  a  Hay  ward  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Jonathan  Farnum       -     -     -     -     -   Wards   1 

William  Williams        -------      2 

Thomas  Bradford       -------      3 

Thomas  Gx'eenough 4 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775.  221 

Jonathan  Stoddard     ------      5 

Jonathan  Rogers         ------      6 

Jacob  Bucknam     -------      7 

Eichard  Salter       -------      8 

Jeremiah  Russel    -------      9 

Samuel  Warden     -------10 

Henry  Quincy         -------11 

Nathaniel  Cabbot 12 

were  chosen  Scavengers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

On  a  Motioii  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  that  theComittee  of  Corre- 
spondence be  directed  to  draw  up  an  exact  State  of  the  Behavior  of 
the  Troops,  under  the  Command  of  General  Gage  ;  &  of  the  Navy, 
under  the  Command  of  Admiral  Graves,  going  so  far  back  as  they 
shall  judge  proper  ;  &  also  carefully  to  observe  their  Conduct  in 
future,  taking  their  Information  upon  Oath,  before  Two  Justices  of 
the  Peace,  Quorum  Unus  ;  always  giving  legal  Notice  to  the  Per- 
sons accused  of  disorderly  Proceedings  —  and  Report  to  the  Town.- 
M'^.  James  Swan,  upon  his  Request,  was  excused  from  serving 

as  a  Clerk  of  the  Market. 

[35.]     Voted,  that  Capt.  John  Bradford 
Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 
Major  Thomas  Daws 
Isaac  Smith  Esq. 
M"".  Alexandei-  Hill 
be  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee,  to  Audit  the  Accounts 
of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor ;  &  the  said  Coinittee  are  impowered, 
when  they  shall  audit  said  Accounts,  to  allow  such  of  the  Overseers, 
as  shall  Advance  Money  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  Interest  on  all 
such  Sums  from  the  Time  so  advanced,  till  they  shall  have  audited 
said  Accounts  ;  &  they  are  also  desired  to  report  from  time  to  time 
a  State  of  the  Treasury  respecting  the  Debts  &  Credits,  &  on  any 

Matters  that  they  may  think  proper. 

The  Selectmen 
chose  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess"'.  John  White 
John  Lucas 
were  chosen  Survey oi's  of  Wlieat  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Col:  Joseph  Jackson 
Col:  John  Leveret 
M'.  John  Sweetser 
were  chosen  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  &  they  are 
desired   and   impowered   to   give    all    needful   Directions    to    the 
Keeper  of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantity  of  Grain  to  be  sold, 
&  affixing  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time,  as   Occasion   shall 
require  ;  &  the  said  Comittee  are  desired  &  directed  to  cause  all 
the  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  ground  at  the  New  Mills, 

near  the  Mill  Bridge,  now  occupied  by  M'.  George  Leonard. 

Mess".  Thomas  Green 
John  Skinner 

were  chose  Assa}-  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be,  &  he  hereby  is  impowered 


222  City  Document  No.  91. 

[36.]  And  directed  to  borrow  on  Interest  a  Sam  not  exceeding 
Six  Hundred  Pounds  lawful  Money  for  the  Use  of  tlie  Overseers 
the  Poor,  to  purchase  Grain  &c  for  the  Alms  House  — 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be,  &  he  hereby  is  impowered  &  directed  to  give  his  negoti- 
able Notes  on  Interest,  to  such  of  the  Overseers  of  the  poor,  as 
are  in  Advance  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  for  such  Sums  as  ap- 
pear to  be  due  to  them  respectively  upon  the  auditing  of  their 
Accounts  to  the  present  Month 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  that  the  Town  Treas- 
urer be,  &  he  hereb}^  is  impowered  &  directed,  to  borrow  upon  In- 
terest, to  the  Amount  of  One  thousand  &  Eighteen  Pounds  ten 
shillings  &  Two  Pence,  being  the  Town's  Proportion  of  the  Prov- 
ince Tax  for  1774  &  that  the  said  Treasurer  be,  &  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  pay  the  same  unto  Henry  Gardnes  Esq.  of  Stow,  who 
is  appointed  by  the  Provincial  Congress  to  recieve  all  Monies  due 
to  the  Province,  &  that  his  Receipt  shall  be  a  Discharge  to  the 
Town  Treasurer ;  &  the  Town  farther  engage  to  indemnify  said 
Treasurer,  for  any  Damage  or  Loss  that  may  be  occasioned  to  him 
by  his  paying  said  Money  to  the  said  Henry  Gardner  Esq. 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  Schoolmasters  Salaries  &  all 
other  Salaries  &  Grants  be  referred  over  to  next  May  Meeting 

Moved  &  Voted,  that  a  Coiiiittee  be  now  appointed  to  consider  & 
report  at  the  Adjournment  what  they  think  proper  to  be  done  rel- 
ative to  the  Collectors  of  Taxes  Premium  Bonds  &  for  collecting 
the  Tax  of  1774. 

Voted,  that  Ezekiel  Goldthwait  Esq. 
M*".  Henry  Bromfield 
M''.  William  Davis 
M^  William  Greenleaf 
M',  Ezekiel  Price 
Capt.  John  Bradford 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
be,  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  for  this  Purpose 

The  Report  of  the  Comittee  on  filling  up  the  Dock  again 
read. 

[37.]  Whereupon  a  Motion  was  made  &  carried,  that  the 
Consideration  of  of  said  Report  be  referred  to  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting. 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
Monday  the  S'^.  of  April,  10  O'Clock  Forenoon 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  legally  warned,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  March  27"^.  by 
Adjournment  of  the  Port  Bill  Meeting. 

M^  Samuel  Adams,  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  being  now  out 
of  Town,  attending  his  Duty  at  the  Provincial  Congress,  now  sit- 
ting at  Concord 

A  Motion  was  made,  that  a  Moderator  Pro.  Temp,  be  now 
chosen, —  whereupon 

M'.  Willinm  Whitwel 
was  chosen  a  Moderator  Pro  Tempore, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775.  223 

The  Petition  of  the  Selectmen  &  Overseers  of  the  Poor  of  the 
Town  of  Medford,  in  behtilf  of  said  Town,  Setting  forth. 

"  That  previous  to  the  shutting  up  the  Port  of  Boston  a  great 
Part  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Medford  subsisted  by  Brick-making,  & 
Numbers  of  other  poor  Inhabitants  there,  were  employed  in  trans- 
porting those  Bricks  to  Boston,  where  was  our  Market  for  them 
both  in  supplying  the  Town,  &  also  Vessels  in  the  Harbor,  from 
whence,  they  were  exported  to  foreign  Parts,  in  great  Quantities 
—  But  since  by  the  Operation  of  the  Port  Act,  this  our  Trade  is  at 
an  End,  &  those  poor  People  are  put  out  of  Business,  &  themselves 
&  Families  are  involved  in  the  same  Calamity  &  Distress,  for 
Want  of  Employ,  as  are  the  Poor  of  Boston  &  Charlestown,  nor 
can  they  subsist  without  some  charitable  Relief  afforded  them  — 
And  whereas  many  Cities  &  Towns  in  this  &  the  other  Colonies, 
have  generously  contributed  to  the  Relief  of  those  industrious  poor 
in  Boston,  who  are  reduced  to  Want,  merely  by  the  aforesaid  Act, 
of  which  Contributions  tlie  Town  of  Boston  has  liberally  dis- 
tributed a  Part  to  the  like  poor  in  Charlestown. 

[38.]  The  Inhabitants  of  Medford,  in  a  Town  Meeting  as- 
sembled the  14"^.  Instant,  upon  Consideration  of  the  Premisses 
have  directed  iis  to  acquaint  you  with  our  distressed  Circum- 
stances, &  to  petition  for  your  kind  Assistance. 

We  do  therefore,  in  behalf  of  said  Town,  pray  that  you  would 
consider  of  unhappy  Condition,  &  that  you  would  (if  the  Circum- 
stances of  your  Poor  admit,  in  your  ivnow^n  Benevolence  &  Human- 
ity, grant  us  (who  are  suffering  in  the  common  Cause)  some  small 
Portion  of  that  Liberality  which  Providence  has  put  into  your 
Hands "  —  was  read,  &  after  some  Debate  thereon —  It  was 
moved  &  seconded  that  the  Consideration  of  this  Petition  be  re- 
ferred to  the  annual  Meeting  in  May  next  —  &that  the  Gentlemen 
the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  insert  said  Petition  for  Consideration 
in  the  Warrant  that  shall  be  issued  for  that  Meeting  —  and  the 
Question  being  accordingly  put,  it  passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be 
adjourned  to  Monday  the  ll*'^.  Day  of  April  next,  12  O'Clock 
Forenoon. ■ 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  dulj'  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  tl)e  28*'\  Day  of 
March  Anno  Domini  1775. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 

Upon  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  a  Moderator  for  this  Meet- 
ing be  now  chose  by  a  Hand  Vote 

M^  William  Whitwell 
was  chose  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  &  took  the  Chair   accord- 
ingly   

The  Selectmen  laid  before  the  Inhabitants  the  present  State  of 
the  Small  Pox  in  this  Town,  whereby  it  appeared,  that  there  are 
on  Board  the  Hospital  Ship  in  this  Harbor  Thirty  Eight  Persons 
[39.]  With  the  Small  Pox,    three  of  whom  were  sent  on  Board 


224  City  Document  No.  91. 

this  Day  :  At  the  Hospital  at  West  Boston,  five  Persons  with  this 
Distemper ;  two  of  whom  were  sent,  from  a  Chamber  in  M"". 
Hunk's  House,  at  the  Head  of  Cross  Street,  occupied  by  a  Soldier  ; 
a  Woman  from  the  Lamb  Tavern  at  the  South  Part  of  the  Town  ; 
a  man  from  his  Dwelling  near  D'^.  Byles's  Meeting  House,  &  an- 
other Man  from  the  Royal  Exchange  Tavern  in  King's  Street : 
That  M^  Runk's  Wifeathis  House  at  the  Head  of  Cross  Street,  was 
taken  with  the  Distemper,  where  Guards  are  placed  to  prevent  a 
Coiiiunication  of  the  Infection ;  &  that  the  Hospital  Ship  was  this 
Forenoon  removed  some  Distance  from  the  Wharff. 

The  Town  having  duely  considered  the  foregoing,  &  all  Circum- 
stances relative  to  the  Small  Pox  among  us,  &  being  of  Opinion  that 
the  Probability  was  in  favor  of  the  Distempers  not  spreading. ■ 

Voted,  Nemine  Contrudicente,  That  the  Selectmen  of  this  Town 
be  desired  to  continue  the  same  Vigilance  the}'  have  hitherto 
sliewn,  to  prevent  the  Spreading  of  the  Small  Pox  in  this 
Place,  

Sundry  Laws  relative  to  the  Small  Pox  were  read — & 
Capt.  Hunter  of  the  Hospital  Ship  being  present,  &  questioned  by 
the  iNIoderatov,  he  informed  the  Town,  that  there  were  Thirty  Five 
Persons  on  Board  his  Ship  with  the  Small  Pox,  all  sent  there  since 
Thursday  Seven  Night. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded 

Voted,  Nem :  Con  :  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  see  that 
the  Law  relative  to  the  concealing  &  spreading  of  Infectious  Dis- 
tempers, be  put  into  Execution  against  any  Persons,  who  shall  make 
Attempts  of  that  Nature,  by  Innoculation,  or  in  any  other  waj- ;  & 
that  no  One  might  plead  Ignorance  of  said  Law  ;  It  was  farther 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to  publish  such  Para- 
graph or  Paragraphs  of  the  Law  as  aflax  the  Penalty,  for  conceal- 
ing &  spreading  infectious  Distempers  ;  also  the  Proceedings  of  this 
Meeting  relative  to  the  Small  Pox. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

[30.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  legally  warned,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  Monday 

April  3**.  1775,  p  Adjournment  of  the  March  Meeting. 

M^  Samuel  Adams  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  being  at  the  Con- 
gress now  sitting  at  Concord. 

Samuel  Swift  Esq. 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  Pro  Tempore. 

A  letter  from  M"".  Penuel  Bowen  chosen  a  Warden  for  the  Year 
ensuing,  desiring  the  Town  would  excuse  him  from  serving  in  that 
Office,  was  read  — whereupon  it  was  motioned,  that  the  Consider- 
ation of  his  Request  be  referred  to  the  Adjournment — &  the  Ques- 
tion being  accordingl}'  put,  Passed  in  Affirmative 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  three  Clerks  of  the 
Market,  &  upon  sorting  them,  it  appeared  that, 
M''.  William  Mollineux 
M^  Robert  Williams 
M^  John  Steel  Tyler 
were  chosen  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1775-76.  225 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  consider  &  report  at  the  Adjournment 
what  they  think  proper  to  be  done,  relative  to  the  Collectors  of 
Taxes  Prenjium  Bonds  &c  for  Collecting  the  Tax  of  1774  —  Report 

That  it  will  be  best  for  the  Town  be  chose  suitable  Persons  to 
collect  the  Tax  of  Eight  Thousand  Pounds  lawlul  Money  granted 
by  the  Town  on  the  19""  Day  of  July  last  for  the  Relief  of  the 
Poor,  and  defraying  other  necessary  Charges  arising  within  the 
Town  —  And  when  such  Persons  are  chosen  &  swoin  into  that 
Office,  that  the  Assessors  be  directed  to  deliver  the  Books  contain- 
ing said  Tax  to  said  Collectors,  they  first  giving  Bonds  with  Sure- 
ties to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen,  that  they  will  use  their 
utmost  Endeavors  to  collect  said  Tax,  or  so  much  thereof  as 
shall  be  in  their  Power,  &  when  collected,  that  they  will  pay  in  the 
same  to  the  Town  Treasurer  for  the  Time  being,  &  os  nn  Encour- 
agement [31.]  To  the  Collectors  to  exert  themselves  in  their  Office 
—  The  CoiBittee  propose  to  the  Town,  that  a  Premium  of  Five  p 
Cent  be  allowed,  them  on  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall  collect  &  pay 
into  the  Treasury,  &  that  said  Collectors  shall  not  be  answerable 
or  accountable  for  any  or  farther  Sums,  than  they  shall  collect,  & 
pay  ;  provided  they  render  an  Account  to  the  Selectmen,  upon  Oath, 
when  requested,  of  all  the  Sums  they  have  received,  &  of  whom,  & 
that  they  have  not  been  able  to  collect  any  more  of  the  Tax  deliv- 
ered them,  than  is  contained  in  said  Account ;  &  that  said  Collect- 
ors shall  also  deliver  to  the  Selectmen,  a  List  of  the  Names  of 
such  Inhabitants,  as  shall  not  have  paid  their  Tax,  or  shall  refuse 
to  pay  them,  whenever  they  shall  require  the  same. 

The  foregoing  Report  being  read,  a  Motion  was  made  &  ob- 
tained, that  the  farther  Consideration  of  this  Report  be  referred  to 
the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

[Page  32  blank.] 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
Monday,  the  17'^.  Instant  10  O'Clock.  

[33.]     Ata Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston,  at  Watertown. 
the  5*.  Day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1776. ■ 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 

The  Comittee  appointed  by  the  Town,  the  6''\  of  March  last,  to 
apply  to  a  proper  Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  the  5*.  of 
March  instant,  to  perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  horrid  Massacre, 
perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5"".  of  March  1770,  by  a  Party  of 
Soldiers  under  the  Order  &  Eye  of  Captain  Thomas  Preston  of  the 
29*'\  Regiment. 

Reported, 

That  having  met  together  for  the  Purposes  mentioned 
in  the  Town's  Vote,  they  had  unanimously  made  Choice  of  the 
Rev*^  Peter  Thacher,  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5"'.  of  March  in- 
stant, who  had  accordingly  accepted  of  that  Service. 

The  above  Report  having  been  made  by  the  Chairman  of  the 
Coinittee,  the  Question  was  put,  —  "Whether  the  same  shall  be 
accepted  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

On  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 

John  Brown  Esq. 


226  City  Document  No.  91. 

Natlianiel  Appleton  Esq. 
Nathaniel  Barber  Esq. 
be  a  Coinittee  to  wait  on  the  Rev*^.   Peter  Thacher,  &  ac(iuaint 
him,  That  it  is  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  the  Oration  be  deliv- 
ered in  Watertown  Meeting  House   this  Day  at  the  Hour  men- 
tioned in  the  Notification  for  said  Meeting. 

On  the  Invitation  of  the  Town,  a  Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev**. 

D"".  Samuel  Cooper  —  very  suitable  for  the  Occasion 

An  Oration  to  commemorate  the  Horrid  Massacre  of  the  5*.  of 
March  1770,  &  to  impress  upon  the  Minds  of  the  Citizens  the 
ruinous  Tendency  of  standing  Armies  being  placed  in  fi-ee  &  pop- 
ulous Cities  in  Time  of  Peace,  was  delivered  by  [34.]  The  Rev*. 
Peter   Thacher   to  a  numerous  Audience,  and  received  by  them 

with  the  greatest  Applause. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 

are  given,  to  the  Rev*^.  Peter  Thacher  for  his and  spirited 

Oration  delivered  by  him  at  their  Request,  in  Commemoration  of 
the  horrid  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5"".  of  March 
1770,  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers,  under  the   Command  of  Captain 
Thomas  Preston  —  also 
Voted,  that 

The  Hon'''^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 
AVilliam  Cooper 
John  Pitts 
John  Brown 
Nathaniel  Appleton 
Nathaniel  Barber  Esq. 
Capt.  William  Mackay 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee  to  wait  upon  the  Rev*. 
Peter  Thacher,  &  in  the  Name  of  the  Town,  to  require  of  him  a 

Copy  of  the  said  Oration  for  the  Press. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded 
Voted,  the  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
John  Pitts  Esq. 
Hou"°.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 

John  Brown  Esq. 
Hon'''^.  Samuel  Adams  Esq. 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 
Nathaniel  Barber  Esq. 
William  Cooper 
David  Jeffries 
Nathaniel  Appleton 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee  to  apply  to  a  proper  Gentle- 
man to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5'^.  of  March  next,  to  [35.]  Per- 
petuate the  Memory  of  the  horrid  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the 
Evening  of  the  5"\  of  March  1770,  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  under  the 
Command  of  Capt.  Thomas  Preston  of  the  29"'.  Regiment ;  &  to  im- 
press upon  our  Minds  the  ruinous  Tendency  of  standing  Armies 
being  placed  in  free  &  populous  Cities  in  Time  of  Peace ;  &  the 
Necessity  of  such  noble  Exertions  in  all  future  Times,  as  the  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  then  made,  whereby  the  Designs  of  the  Conspir- 
ators against  the  public  Liberty  may  be  still  frustrated. 


Boston  Town  Records,  177G.  227 

Voted,  Unanimously,  that 

The  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby  are  given  to  Benj*  Aus- 
tin Esq.  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  dispatching  the  Business 
thereof. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  the  old  Brick  Meeting  House,  on  Fryday 
the  29"'.  Day  of  March  Anno  Dom.  1776. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev**  D''.  Cooper. 

Notification  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Sundiy  Laws  enjoin'd  to  be  read  at  this  Meeting  were  accord- 
ingly read 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing, &  upon  sorting  them  it  appear'd,  that 

The  Hon"^'^.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq.  was  chosen  unanimously,  who 
took  the  Chair,  &  made  a  Congratulary  Speech  to  the  Inhabitants, 
upon  the  Recovery  of  the  Town  out  of  the  hands  of  the  British 
Enemy,  &  for  the  present  Opportunity  of  transacting  the  Affairs 

&  Business  of  the  Town  in  a  free  Town  Meeting. 

[36.]  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  Year 
ensuing,  &  took  the  Oath  of  Office  for  the  faithful  Discharge  of 

his  Duty. 

The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  Seven  Selectmen,  &  the 
Votes  being  brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 
John  Scollay  Esq. 
The  hon'''^.  John  Hancock  Esq. 
M^  Timothy  Newell 
Col:  Thomas  Marshall 
M'.  Samuel  Austin 
M^  Oliver  Wendell 
M^  John  Pitts 

were  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
William  Phillips  Esq. 
John  Leveret  Esq. 
Capt  Samuel  Partridge 
M^  Samuel  Whitwell 
M^  Daniel  Waldo 
M^  John  White 
Capt  Edward  Procter 
M^  Jonathan  Mason 
M"".  Benjamin  Dolbear 
M".  William  Powell 

M"^.  Ebenezer  Storer  -----  excused 
M'.  John  Sweetser 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Twelve  Wardens,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M"".  Penuel  Bowen 


228  City  Document  No.  91. 

Capt  Samuel  Ridgway 
[37.]  Capt.  Jonathan  Freeman 

M''.  Peter  VestUle 
M"".  Nathaniel  Shepherd 
M^  Joseph  Webb 
M"".  Ebenezer  Dorr 
M^  Samuel  Sloan 
M^  Stephen  Hall 
]VP.  Adam  Colsom 
were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire  Wards,  & 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

John  SeoUay  Esq. 

Newman  Greenough 

William  Cooper 

Thomas  Marshall  Esq. 

Capt  John  Pulling 

Capt  Edward  Procter 

Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 

Major  Abiel  Ruddock 

Caleb  Davis  Esq. 

Capt  Benjamin  Waldo 

Capt  Samuel  Barrett 

M^  Ebenezer  Hancock 

Capt  Isaac  Phillips 

Major  Paul  Reviere 

M^  Tho\  Tyleston 

Capt  Caleb  Hopkins 

were  chose  Fii-e  Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Town  Treasurer, 
&  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M^  David  Jeffries 
was  chosen  Town  Treasurer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  the   Question  was  put,  — 
"  Whether   Collectors  of   Taxes   shall  be  chosen   seperate  from 

Constables Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  Five  Pounds  be  remitted  out  of  the  Ten 
Pounds  Fine,  to  such  Persons  as  shall  be  chose  into  the  Office  of 
Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing,  &  shall  decline  serving 
On  a  Motion  Voted,  that 

Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 

Col  Thomas  Marshall 

Major  Paul  Reviere 
be  a  Coinittee  to  wait  on  General  Washington,  &  to  acquaint  him 
that  it  is  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  the  Four  Pieces  of  Cannon 
which  are  in  the  Continental  Train  of  Artillery,  &  belonging  to  the 
Town  of  Boston,  may  not  be  carried  out  of  this  Colony,  if  his 
Excellency  should  apprehend  the  general  Interest  of  the  Colony 

will  permit  their  remaining  here. 

Mess".  Nathaniel  Greenough 

Edward  Gray 

Jonathan  Foliar   --------  excused 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  229 

Lindal  Pitts 

Joseph  Sherburne  Jun"". 

Elias  Parkman sworn 

Henry  Prentice excused 

Andrew  Brimmer 

James  Foster  Condy 

Duncan  Ingraham  jun''.    ~  -  -  -  excused 

Moses  Grant 

Benjamin  Hammett 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assessors,  & 
upon  sorting  them,  it  appeared,  that 

Deacon  Benjamin  Church 

M^  Daniel  Pecker 
[39.]  Deacon  Jonathan  Brown 

Gyles  Harris  Esq. 

Capt  Samuel  Downe 

M"".  William  Lowder 

were  chose  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing.  ■ 

Mess^  William  Crafts 

John  Lambert  Jun', 

Nathaniel  Wales 

Stephen  Wales 

Nathan  Hancock 

were  chose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess^,  Clement  Collins 

Abraham  Howard 

Andrew  Symmes 

Joseph  Buttler 

Benjamin  Page 

Joseph  Ford 

John  Rogers 

Thomas  Uran 

Edward  Ranger 

John  Bulfinch  Jun'. 

Joseph  Ballard 

James  Blake 

John  Lambert  Jun'. 

Nathan  Hancock 

Ebenezer  Flood 

John  Champney 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 

was  chose  a  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Samuel  Bangs 

Jacob  Holland 

Benjamin  Bass 
[40.]  Nathan  Green 

were  chosen  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Adam  Colsom 

Thomas  Edes 
were  chosen  Informers  of  Deer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


230  City  Document  No.  91. 

Mess".  John  Owen 

Peter  Cotta 

Manasseh  Masters 

Benjamin  Bernard 

Edward  Co  well 

Israel  Cook 

Richard  Flood 

Samuel  Prichard 

Benjamin  Sault 

Jacob  Williams 

Joshua  Pico 

were  chose  Cullers  of  Staves  &  Hoops  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Mess".  Benjamin  Blake 

Ralph  Morgan 

Elijah  Searl 
were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

M^  William  M^Fadden 

was  chose  a  Hayward  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Votes  for  Twelve  Constables  brought  in,  the  Persons  chose  into 
that  Office  are 

Mess".  Stephen  Symmes 

John  Bennet 

Thomas  Bell 

John  Coverley 

John  Wells 

Joseph  Foye 

Samuel  Greenleaf 

George  Thomas 
[41.]  Thomas  Bradford 

Thomas  Hodgson 

MessS  Jonathan  Farnum  -----    Wards  N°.l 

William  Williams  ---------2 

Thomas  Bradford  ---------3 

Joseph  Butler  ----------4 

Jonathan  Stoddard    --------5 

Jonathan  Rogers  ---------6 

Edward  Lad  Saunders    -------7 

Richard  Salter-     ---------8 

Jerry  Russell   ----------9 

Samuel  Hodgsden      -- 10 

Henry  Quincy        --------      H 

Nathaniel  Cobbet 12 

"were  chose  Scavengers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer  brought  in,  and  being  sealed  up 

in  Town  Meeting,  were  delivered  to  M^  Constable  Bennet,  for 

him  to  return  to  the  Court  of  Sessions  at  their  next  Meeting. 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  May  1'.  10  O'Clock 

A.M.  to  meet  in  this  Place 

May  1'.   10  O'clock  met  according  to  Adjournment  at  the  old 

Brick    Meeting    House,    &    adjoui-ned    to    the    Representatives 

Chamber. 


Boston  Town   Records,  1776.  231 

Met  at  the  Representatives  Chamber  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment.   

The  Proclamation  issued  by  this  Govemaent,  for  promoting  a 
Reformation  of  Manners,  read  —  also  an  Act  of  the  General  Court 
relative  to  the  Selectmen,  taking  an  Account  of  the  Number  of 
Inhabitants  in  their  respective  Towns,  conformable  to  a  Resolve 
of  the  Continental  Congress — whereupon 

[4^,]  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  make  a  Rep- 
resentation to  the  General  Court,  of  the  Difficulties  which  have 
hitherto  prevented  their  complying  with  the  Order  of  Court  by 
taking  an  Account  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Boston 

Voted,  that  M^  Ebenezer  Storer 

Nathaniel  Appleton  Esq. 
John  Bradford  Esq. 
Henry  Bromfield  Esq. 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
be,  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee  to  audit  the  Accounts 
of  M''.  Treasurer  Jeffries,  &  also  the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers 
of  the  Poor ;  &  the  said  Coinittee  are  impowered,  when  they  shall 
audit  said  Accounts,  to  allow  such  of  the  Overseers,  as  shall  ad- 
vance Money,  for  the  Relief   of  the  Poor,  Interest   on  all  such 
Sums,  from  the  Time  so  advanced,  until  they  shall  have  audited 
said  Accounts ;  &  they  are  also  desu-ed  to  report  from  time  to 
time,  a  State  of  the  Treasury  respecting  the  Debts  &  Credits,  and 

on  any  Matters  than  they  may  think  proper. 

Selectmen 
chosen  Surveyors  of  the  High  Ways  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be  &  hereby  are  impowered  to  sit  for 
Abatement  of  such  Taxes  as  they  shall  judge  reasonable,  on  every 
Wednesday  until  the  last  Wednesday  in  April  inclusive,  &  no 
longer  saving  that  they  be  allowed  to  set  the  Two  last  Weeks  in  No- 
vember for  the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons,  as  had 
not  an  Opportunity  of  Applying  in  the  above  limited  Time,  by 
reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province  ;  at  which  Time  they  are 
also  allowed  &  impowered  to  abate  the  Taxes  of  such  Persons  as 
may  have  died  between  the  said  last  Wednesday  in  April  &  the 
last  Day  of  November. 

Deacon  Newell  having  desired  the  Town  to  excuse  him  from  serv- 
ing as  a  Selectman  the  Year  ensuing,  &  he  having  accordingly 
been  excused — it  was 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby  are  [43.] 
Given  to  Deacon  Newell  for  his  faithful  Services,  as  a  Selectman  a 

Number  of  Years  past. 

Mess'.  John  White 
John  Lucas 

were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Wlieat  for  the  Year  ensuing. • 

Col:    Joseph  Jackson 
Col:    John  Leveret 
M"".  John  Sweetser 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing,  &  they  are 
desired  &  impowered  to  give  all  needful  Directions  to  the  Keeper 
of  the  Granary  respecting  the  Quantity  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  & 


232  City  Document  No.  91. 

affixing  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time,  as  Occasion  shall  re- 
quire ;  &  the  said  Committee  are  desired  &  directed  to  cause  all 
the  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town,  to  be  ground  at  the  new  Mills 

near  the  Mill  Bridge,  lately  occupied  by  M''.  George  Leonard. 

Mess".  Thomas  Green 
Joshua  Skinner 

were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Votes  for  a  County  Register  being  brought  in  &  sealed  up  in 
Town  Meeting,  were  given  to  M"".  Constable  Bennet  for  him  to 

return  to  the  Court  of  Sessions  at  their  next  Meeting 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that 

Capt.  Caleb  Hopkins 
Major  Abiel  Ruddock 
Capt.  John  Symms 
Capt.  Edward  Procter 
M^  Robert  Hitchburne 
M"".  Thomas  Knox 
M^  Thomas  Tileston 
Capt.  Isaac  Phillips 
Capt.  Jeremiah  Stimson 
M'',  Adam  Colson 
M"".  Thomas  Bumstead 
[44.]  M^  Samuel  Service 

be  a  Coihittee  to  go  through  their  several  "Wards  in  this  Town  as 
soon  as  may  be,  &  see  that  such  Houses  as  they  may  think  need 
cleansing,  be  sufficiently  smoaked  &  cleansed,  as  well  those  that 
are  inhabited,  as  those  that  are  not ;  and  that  they  also  make  a  Re- 
turn to  the  Selectmen  of  all  Persons  that  reside  in  their  respective 

Wards,  that  are  Inhabitants  of  this  Town. 

Voted,    that   the   Consideration  of    Schoolmasters  Salaries,   & 
all  other   Salaries    &    Grants,    be   referred    over   to    next   May 

Meeting. 

On  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that 

The  Hon'"^  Thomas  Cushing  Esq. 
John  Brown  Esq. 
Nathaniel  Appleton  Esq. 
Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 
Henry  Bromfield  Esq. 
be  a  Coinittee  to  prepai-e  an  Address  to  General  "Washington  to  be 
reported  at  May  Meeting 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

3  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  three  Selectmen,  & 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that, 

M''.  Ebenezer  Storer  -----  decliaed 
Nathaniel  Appleton  Esq. 
M^  John  "White 
were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  an  Assessor  &  upon 
soi-ting  them  it  appeared  that 

M^  George  Broughton  Gidney 
was  chosen  an  Assessor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1776.  233 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Coinittee  of  Correspond- 
ence, Safety  &  Inspection,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  tliat 
The  Hon'''^  Samuel  Adams  Esq. 
The  Hon"^  John  Hancock  Esq. 

Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq.  -     -     -      excused 

Nathaniel  Appleton  Esq. 

Oliver  Wendell  Esq. 

M^  William  Dennie  -     -     -     -     declines 

Richard  Boynton  Esq. 

Capt.  Wiir.  Makay 

Nathaniel  Barber  Esq. 

John  Bradford  Esq. 

M'.  William  Powell 

Caleb  Davis  Esq. 

M".  William  Cooper 

M'.  John  Sweetser 

John  Brown  Esq. 

John  Pitts  Esq. 

M''.  Edward  Church 

Capt  Isaac  Phillips 

Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 

Capt  Edward  Procter 

Capt  John  Pulling 

Major  Paul  Reviere 

M''.  Peter  Boyer 

Major  Abiel  Ruddock 

M^  Tho'.  Hitchburne 

Perez  Morton  Esq. 

Benjamin  Hitchburne  Esq. 
were  chose  a  Coinittee  of  Correspondence,  Safety  &  Inspection  for 
the  Year  ensuing. 

On  a  Motion   made  Voted,  that  Nine  of  the  foregoing  Com- 

ittee  be  a  Quorum. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  all  Matters  &  Things  not  acted 

upon  in  this  Meeting  be  referred  over  to  May  Meeting. 

[46.]     Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,   and  hereby 
are  given  to  the  Hon**'".  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.   Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  for  his  good  Services.  — — 
Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  the  old  Brick  Meeting  House  June  the  10"". 
1776. 

Precept  for  the  Choice  of  two  Representatives,  if  the  Town 
shall  judge  proper,  in  the  Room  of  the  Hon'''^.  Will™.  Phillips  and 
Benjamin  Austin  Esq".,  lately  chosen  into  the  Hon'''^,  the  Council 
of  this  Colony  —  was  read 

Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  read 

The  Expediency  of  making  Choice  of  two  Gentlemen  at  this 
Meeting  for  Representatives,  in  the  Room  of  the  Two  Gentlemen 
lately  Elected  Councillors  was  considered,   &   after  considerable 


234  City  Document  No.  91. 

Debate  had  thereon — John  Scollay  Esq.  Chairman  of  the  Board 
of  Selectmen  in  their  Name  put  the  Question  Viz'.  "Whether 
the  Town  will  now  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Two  Gentlemen  to 
represent  them,  in  the  great  &  General  Assembly  now  sitting  at 
Watertown  agreable  to  the  Precept  received  —  which  passed  in 
the  Negative 

On-a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
Monday  next  3  O'Clock  P.M.  and  that  the  Town  be  duly  notified 
thereof. 

Monday  June  17'^.  3  O'Clock  P.M.  Town  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment.   

[47.]  After  considerable  Debate  had,  with  Respect  to  the 
Legality  of  coming  to  the  Choice  of  Two  Representatives  ;  a  Quo- 
rum of  the  Board  of  Selectmen  not  being  present  to  regulate  the 
Meeting,  by  Reason  of  the  Sickness  of  One,  &  the  Absence  of 
others — a  motion  was  made  &  seconded — "That  this  meeting 
be  dissolved  —  and  the  Question  being  put  —  Passed  in  the 
Affirmative. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


A  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  the  old  Brick  Meeting  House,  on  the  24"'. 
of  June  Anno  Domini  1776,  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  read 

The  Town  went  in  to  the  Consideration  of  the  Expediency  of  making 
Choice  of  Two  Gentlemen  for  Representatives,  in  the  Room  of  the 
Hon"^.  William  Phillips,  &  Benjamin  Austin  Esq".  &  after  con- 
siderable Debate,  a  Motion  was  made  for  such  a  Choice,  &  the 
Question  being  accordingly  put  by  John  Scollay  Esq.  Chairman  of 
the  Board  of  Selectmen  —  it  passed  in  the  Negative. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  The  Old  Brick  Meeting  House  on  Thursday 

the  23"^.  Day  of  May,  Anno  Domini  1776. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev"^.  D^  Mather 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  read 

Sundry   Laws read 

[48.]  John  Scollay  Esq.  one  of  the  Selectmen,  proposed,  in 
their  Name,  to  the  Inhabitants  assembled,  to  proceed  to  the 
Choice  of  One  or  more  Persons,  to  represent  them  in  the  Great  & 
General  Court  or  Assembly,  to  be  held  at  the  Meeting  House  in 
Watertown,  on  Wednesday  the  29"^.  of  May  current ;  &  in  order 
thereto  to  consider  &  ascertain  the  Number  of  Gentlemen  to  be 
elected :  Accordingly  it  was  Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of 
Twelve  Representatives  ;  the  Town  apprehending  that  by  a  late 
Act  of  the  General  Assembly,  they  were  privileged  to  send  this, 
or  a  larger  Number ;  &  then  it  was  declared  by  the  Selectmen, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  235 

that  as  Votes  will  be  received  but  such  as  are  unfolded,  &  that 

they  propose  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  12  O'Clock. 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  for  twelve  Representatives  the 
Number  of  the  same  were  found  to  be  two  hundred  &  seventy 
two  ;  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that  the  following  Gentle- 
men were  chosen,  Viz*. 

William  Cooper 

William  Philips 

John  Pitts 

John  Brown 

Benjamin  Austin 

David  Jeffries 

Arnold  Wells ---  excused 

William  Powell D°. 

Oliver  Wendell 

Nathaniel  Appleton 

D*".  Joseph  Gardner 

Caleb  Davis 
The  Choice  of  Representatives  being  over,  &  declared  by  the 
Selectmen,  the  Inhabitants  were  desired  to  withdraw,  &  bring  in 
their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  in  order  that  the 
Town  may  [49,]  Proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs 
mentioned  in  the  Warrant ;  accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew, 
&  brought  in  their  Votes,  and  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

the  Hon*"'®.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.  was  chosen. 

Arnold  Wells  Esq.  &  M''.  William  Powell  desired  to  be  excused 
from  sei-ving  as  Representatives  the  Year  ensuing,  for  Reasons  by 
them  respectively  offered,  &  they  were  accordingly  excused. 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be    adjourned   to   this   Afternoon   3 

O'clock. 

3  O'clock,  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment. 
That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "To  consider  whether  the 
Town  will,  in  Conformity  to  a  Resolve  of  the  late  Hon*"'^.  House 
of  Representatives  for  this  Colony,  advise  their  Representatives, 
"  That  if  the  Hon"^.  Continental  Congress  should,  for  the  Safety 
of  the  Colonies,  declare  them  Independent  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Great  Britain,  they,  the  Inhabitants,  will  solemnly  engage,  with 
their  Lives  and  Fortunes  to  support  them  in  the  Measure  "  —  was 
read  «fe  duely  Considered,  &  the  Question  being  accordingly  put — ■ 

Passed  in  the  Affirmative  unanimously 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "To  consider  what  farther 
Instructions  may  be  necessary  for  the  Representatives  that  may 
be  chosen,"  — was  read  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  M^  William  Davis 

Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 

Perez  Morton  Esq. 

M^  Benjamin  Hitchburne 

D^  Charles  Jarvis 
be   a  Cornittee   to   prepare   a   Draught   of   Instructions   for   the 
Representatives,    chosen,    and   to   make   Report  as  soon  as  may 

be. 

[50.]     On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Vote  lately  passed, 


236  City  Document  No.  91. 

appointing  a  Coinittee  to  prepare  an  Address  to  General  Wash- 
ington, be  considered,  &  said  Comittee  excused  from  that  Service, 
the  Selectmen  having  already  presented  One  in  the  Name  of  the 

Town. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  Whether  any  Measures 
shall  be  taken  for  the  Borrowing  a  Sum  of  Money  to  answer  the 
present  Necessities  of  the  Town  "  —  read  —  Whereupon  Voted, 
that  the  Gentlemen,  the  Selectmen,  be  a  Comittee  to  consider  & 

report  the  Sum  necessary  to  be  borrowed. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that 

Joseph  Greenleaff  Esq. 

Perez  Morton  Esq. 

M"".  Benjamin  Hitchburne 
be  a  Coinittee  to  consider  &  report,  what  is  proper  to  be  done  by 
the  Town  to  prevent  the  Forestalling  the  Market,  &  the  monopo- 
lizing the  Wood  brought  by  Water. 


Adjourned  to  Fryday  next  3  O'Clock. 

Fryday  May  27'\  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

Met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  consider  &  report  the  Sum  of 
Money  it  was  necessary  to  borrow  —  informed  the  Town,  that 
they  were  not  yet  able  to  make  an  Estimate  of  the  Money  that  may 
be  necessary  to  answer  the  present  Exigencies  of  the  Town 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  David  Jeffries  Eqs'.  Town 
Treasurer  be,  &  he  hereby  is  impowered  &  directed  to  borrow,  on 
Interest,  a  Sum  of  Money  not  exceeding  Two  thousand  Pounds, 
to  answer  the  present  Necessities  of  the  Town. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  two  Representatives 
in  the  Room  of  M^  Wells  &  M^  Powell,  who  have  resigned  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were 

chosen,  Viz'. 

M'.  Henry  Hill 
M^  Allen  Otis 

[51.]  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  Next, 
9  O'clock 

Monday  May  30"^  10  O'Clock  Town  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment  

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  ^ 
past  12  O'clock 

Met  according  to' Adjournment •  _ 

Joseph  Greenleaff  Esq.  excused  from  Serving  on  the  Coiiiittee, 
of  Correspondence  Safety  &  Inspection  for  Reasons  by  him  of- 
fered   

The  Coiiiittee  on  Instructions  reported  the  following  Draught, 
Viz.S 

Instructions  to  the  Representatives  of  the  town  of  Boston 

Gentlemen, 

At  a  time  when,  in  all  Probability,  the  whole  United  Colonies 
of  America  are  upon  the  Verge  of  a  glorious  Revolution,  &  when, 
consequently,  the  most  important  Questions  that  ever  were  agitated 
by  the  Representative  Body  of  this  Colony,  touching  its  internal 
Police,  will  demand  your  Attention ;  your  Constituents  think  it 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  237 

necessary  to  instruct  you,  in  several  Matters,  what  Part  to  act, 
that  the  Path  of  your  Duty  may  b^e  plain  before  you. 

We  have  seen  the  humble  Petitions  of  these  Colonies  to  the 
King  of  Great  Britain  repeatedly  rejected  with  Disdain.  For  the 
Prayer  of  Peace  he  has  tendered  the  Sword  ;  —  for  Liberty,  Chains  ; 
— for  Safety,  Death  !  He  has  licenced  the  Instruments  of  his  hos- 
tile Oppressions  to  rob  us  of  our  Property,  to  burn  our  Houses, 
&  to  spill  our  Blood  —  He  has  invited  every  barbarous  Nation, 
whom  he  could  hope  to  influence,  to  assist  him  in  prosecuting  those 
inhumane  Purposes,  The  Prince,  therefore,  in  Support  of  whose 
Crown  &  Dignity,  not  many  years  since,  we  would  most  chearfully 
have  expended  both  Life  &  Fortune,  we  are  now  constrained  to 
consider  as  the  worst  of  Tyrants  :  Loyalty  to  him  is  now  Treason 
to  our  Country  : 

[53.]  We  have  seen  his  venal  Parliament  so  basely  prostituted 
to  his  Designs,  that  they  have  not  hesitated  to  enforce  his  arbitrary 
Requisitions  with  the  most  sanguinary  Laws.  — We  have  seen  the 
People  of  Great  Britain  so  lost  to  every  Sense  of  Virtue  &  Honor, 
as  to  pass  over  the  most  pathetic  &  earnest  Appeals  to  their  Jus- 
tice with  an  unfeeling  Indifference.  —  The  Hopes  we  placed  on  their 
Exertions  have  long  since  failed.  —  In  short,  we  are  convinced, 
that  it  is  the  fixt  &  settled  Determination  of  the  King,  Ministry, 
&  Parliament  of  that  Island  to  conquer  &  subjugate  the  Colonies, 
&  that  the  People  there  have  no  Disposition  to  oppose  them  —  A 
Reconciliation  with  them  appears  to  us  to  be  as  dangerous  as  it  is 
absurd  —  A  Spirit  of  Resentment  once  raised  it  is  not  easy  to  ap- 
pease :  The  Recollection  of  past  Injuries  will  perpetually  keep 
alive  the  Flame  of  Jealousy,  which  will  stimulate  to  new  Imposi- 
tions on  the  One  Side,  &  consequent  Resistance  on  the  other ;  & 
the  whole  Body  politic  will  be  constantly  subject  to  civil  Fermen- „ 
tations  &  Commotions.  —  We  therefore  think  it  absolutely  imprac-  ' 
ticable  for  these  Colonies  to  be  ever  again  subject  to,  or  dependent 
upon  Great  Britian,  without  endangering  the  very  Existence  of  the 
State  :  Placing  however,  unbounded  Confidence  in  the  Supreme 
Council  of  the  Congress,  we  are  determined  to  wait,  most  patiently 
to  wait,  'till  their  Wisdom  shall  dictate  the  Necessity  of  making  a 
Declaration  of  Independency — Nor  should  we  have  ventured  to 
express  our  Sentiments  upon  this  Subject,  but  from  the  Presump- 
tion, that  the  Congress  would  chuse  to  feel  themselves  supported 
by  the  People  of  each  Colony,  before  they  should  adopt  a  Resolu- 
tion so  interesting  to  the  whole.  —  The  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 
therefore,  unanimously  instruct  &  direct  you,  that,  at  the  Ap- 
proaching Session  of  the  General  Assembly,  you  use  your  Endeav- 
ors, that  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  at  the  Congress,  be  advised, 
that  in  Case  the  Congress  should  think  it  necessary  for  the  Safety 
of  the  United  Colonies,  to  declare  themselves  independent  on  Great 
Britian,  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Colonly,  with  their-  Lives  &  the 
Remnant  of  their  Fortunes,  will  most  chearfully  support  them  in 

the  measure. 

[53o]  Touching  the  internal  Police  of  this  Colony,  it  is  es- 
sentially necessary,  in  Order  to  preserve  Harmony  among  ourselves, 
that  the  constituent;  Body  be  satisfied,  that  they  are  fully  &  fairly 


238  CiTr  Document  No.  91. 

represented  —  The  Right  to  legislate  is  originally  in  every  Member 
of  the  Comunity  ;  which  Right  is  always  exercised  of  a  State  : 
But  when  the  Inhabitants  are  become  numerous,  'tis  not  only  in- 
convenient, but  impracticable /'>?■  all  to  meet  in  One  Assembly ; 
&  hence  arose  the  Necessity  &  Practice  of  legislating  by  a  few, 
freely  chosen  by  the  many.  —  When  this  Choice  is  free,  &  the 
Representation,  equal,  'tis  the  People's  Fault  if  they  are  not  happy  : 
We  therefore  entreat  you  to  devise  some  Means  to  obtain  an  igual 
Repres'mtation  of  the  People  of  this  Colony  in  the  Legislature. 
But  care  should  be  taken,  that  the  Assembly  be  not  unweildy ;  for 
this  would  be  an  Approach  to  the  Evil  meant  to  be  cured  by  Rep- 
resentation. The  largest  Bodies  of  Men  do  not  always  dispatch 
Business  with  the  greatest  Expedition,  nor  conduct  it  in  the  wisest 
manner 

It  is  essential  to  Liberty  that  the  legislative,  judicial  &  execu- 
tive Powers  of  Government  be,  as  nearly  as  possible,  independent 
of  &  separate  from  each  other ;  for  where  they  are  united  in  the 
same  Persons,  there  will  be  wanting  that  natural  Check,  which  is 
the  principal  Security  against  the  enacting  of  arbitrary  Laws,  and 
a  wanton  Exercise  of  Power  in  the  Execution  of  them. —  It  is  also 
of  the  highest  Importance  that  every  Person  in  a  Judiciary  Depart- 
ment, employ  the  greatest  Part  of  his  Time  &  Attention  in  the 
Duties  of  his  Office.  —  We  therefore  farther  instruct  you,  to  pro- 
cure the  making  such  Law  or  Laws,  as  shall  make  it  incompatible 
for  the  same  Person  to  hold  a  Seat  in  the  legislative  &  executive 
Departments  of  Government,  at  one  &  the  same  time: — That 
shall  render  the  .Judges  in  every  Judicatory  thro'  the  Colony,  de- 
pendent, not  on  the  uncertain  Tenure  of  Caprice  or  Pleasure,  but 
on  an  unimpeachable  Deportment  in  the  important  Duties  of  their 
Station,  for  their  Continuance  in  Office  :  And  to  prevent  the 
Multiplicity  of  Offices  in  the  same  Person,  that  such  Salaries  be  set- 
tled upon  them,  as  [54.]  Will  place  them  above  the  Necessity  of 
stooping  to  any  indirect  or  collateral  Means  for  Subsistence. 

We  wish  to  avoid  a  Profusion  of  the  public  Monies  on  the  one 
hand,  &  the  Davgtr  of  r.acrificinq  our  Liberties  to  a  Spirit  of  Par- 
simony on  the  other: — Not  doubting  of  your  Zeal  &  Abilities  in 
the  common  Cause  of  our  Country,  we  leave  your  Discretion  to 
prompt  such  Exertions,  in  p.^-omoting  any  military  Operations,  as 
the  Exigency  of  our  public  Affairs  may  require  :  And  in  the  same 
Confidence  in  your  Fervor  &  Attachment  to  the  public  Weal,  we 
readily  submit  all  other  Matters  of  public  Moment,  that  may  re- 
quire your  Consideration  to  your  own  Wisdom  &  Discretion. 

The  foregoing  Draught  of  Instructions  to  our  Representatives, 
having  been  read  &  considered,  the  Question  was  put  —  "  Whether 
the  same  shall  be  accepted,  &  given  to  our  Representatives,  as 
their  Instructions  "  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative  unanimously. 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen,  the  Select- 
men be  directed  to  wait  upon  the  Comittee  of  the  General  Court, 
for  fortifying  the  Harbor  of  Boston,  &  to  desire  that  they  would 
suspend  the  sinking  of  the  Hulks,  untill  the  Sense  of  the  Town  be 
legally  taken  relative  thereto. 

On  a  Motion  made  — Voted,  that  this  Meeting  may  be  adjourned 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  239 

to  Tuesday  next,  9  O'Clock,  Forenoon  —  And  the  Meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned 

Tuesday  Morning,  9  O'Clock, 

Met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Expediency  of  having 
Hulks  sunk  in  this  Harbor,  for  the  present,  &  after  a  full  &  fair 
Debate,  the  Question  was  put  —  viz'.  "  Whether  it  be  the  Sense 
of  the  Town,  that  the  Hulks  should  be  sunk  at  present  "  ?  which 
passed  in  the  Negative,  Nem.  Con. 

Voted,  that  Samuel  Barret  Esq. 

M''.  Benj''.  Hitchburne 

[55.]  Henry  Bromfield  'Esq. 

Perez  Morton  Esq. 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Comittee  to  present,  in  Behalf  of 
this  Town,  a  Petition  to  the  Great  &  General  Court  now  sitting, 
praying  that  they  would  reconsider  their  former  Vote  for  the 
Sinking  of  Hulks  in  this  Harbour,  so  far  as  that  the  sinking  of 
them  for  the  present  may  be  Suspended 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  to  serve  on  the  Comittee 
of  Correspondence,  Inspection  &  Safety,  in  the  Room  of  Joseph 
Gi-eenleaff  Esq,  who  has  lately  resigned — And  upon  sorting  the 
Votes  it  appeared,  that 

M"".  Ellis  Gray,  was  chosen  one  of  the  Comittee  of  Correspond- 
ence, Inspection  &  Safety  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved,  and  it  was  accordingly 
dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  at  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House,  duely  qualified 
&  legally  warned,  in  public  Town  Meeting  assembled,  May  27"*. 
Anno  Domini  1776. 

Warrant  for  Calling  this  Meeting  —  read. 

The  Hon*^'".  Thomas  Cushing  Esq'',  was  chosen  Moderator  of 
this  Meeting. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  Words,  otJiey^  Inhabitants^ 
be  deled  out  of  the  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting 

Votes  for  a  County  Register  brought  in  &  sealed  up  in  Town 
Meeting  by  the  Selectmen  were  deliver'd  to  their  Chairman,  John 
Scollay  Esq.  to  be  by  him  returned  to  the  Court  of  Sessions. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


[56.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town  Meeting 
assembled,  at  the  old  Brick  Meeting  House,  on  Monday  the  26"'. 
Day  of  August,  Anno  Domini  1776. 

Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  —  read 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq.  was  chose  Moderator  of  the  Meeting  by  a 
Hand  Vote - 

The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw  &  bring   in    their 


^40  City  Document  No.  91. 

Votes  for  two  Selectmen,  there  being  but  two  of  those  who  were 
chose  in  March  last,  who  declined  serving ;  &  the  Votes  being 
brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 

John  Greenleaff  Esq. 
Henry  Bromfleld  Esq. 
were  unanimously  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year 

A  Motion  was  made  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  proper  Persons 
for  filling  up  the  Coinittee  of  Correspondence,  Inspection  &  Safety 
—  and  after  considerable  Debate,  it  was  moved  &  carried,  that 
the  farther  Consideration  of  this  Matter  be  referred  over  to  To- 
morrow 10  O'clock,  A.M. 

On  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3 
O'clock  Afternoon,  then  to  meet  in  the  Representatives  Cham- 
ber.   

3  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  One  Overseer  of  the 
Poor,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

John  Barret  Esq. 
was  unanimously  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  Remainder 
of  the  Year 

The  Clause  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  what  Methods 
shall  be  taken  for  the  speedy  clearing  of  the  Town  from  the 
Small  Pox  "  was  read  &  considered,  whereupon  it  was  moved  &; 
seconded, 

[57.]  That  a  Coinittee  of  Thirty  Six  Persons  be  immediately 
appointed,  three  for  each  Ward,  whose  Business  it  shall  be  to  re- 
pair to  every  House  in  their  respective  Ward,  to  ask  the  following 
questions  &  take  down  the  Answers  in  writing 

Who  live  in  this  House,  &  what  is  the  Name  of  the  Head  of  the 
Family  ? 

How  many  Persons  in  this  House  have  had  the  Small  Pox  both 
white  &  black,  the  natural  Way,  &  by  Inoculation,  &  how  many 
of  each  have  died  ? 

How  many  Persons  from  the  Country  have  had  the  Small  Pox 
in  this  House,  &  how  many  of  them  came  into  Town  after  the  15"\ 
day  of  July  last  —  their  Names  &  by  whom  innoculated? 

How  many  are  now  Sick,  &  how  many  that  have  not  had  the 
Small  Pox? 

How  many  Persons  belonging  to  this  Family  are  now  in  the 
Service  ? 

Is  it  Continental,  or  Coloniel? 

Is  it  by  Sea,  or  by  Land? 

If  by  Sea,  in  what  Vessel? 

Have  any  of  them  been  hired  by  other  Towns,  &  what  Towns 
are  they  ? 

And  the  Question  being  accordingly  put 

Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  that  the  following  Gentlemen  be  and  here  by  are  appointed 
a  Coruittee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid  —  Vis'. 

Major  Newman  Greenough  '\  Wards 

M'.  John  Lambert  Jun^        }■  NM 

Deacon  Jonathan  Brown 


Boston  Town   Records,   1776. 


241 


Capt  Gyles  Harris 


M^  Elias  Parkman 

M'.  Edward  Grant 

M'.  Ebenezer  Howard 

M'.  Caleb  Champney 

M^  Nathau'  Hitchburne 
[58.]      Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

Capt  Andrew  Syms 

William  Thornburne 

Capt  Jonathan  Gary 

M'.  George  B.  Gidney 

M^  John  Waldo 

Capt  Samuel  Barrett 

M''.  John  Jenkins  \-      -     -     -     -    6 

M"".  Samuel  Sloan 

Capt  Job  Prince 

]VP.  Edward  Carnes 

M"^.  John  Winnet 

Capt  Benj".  Gray 

M'.  John  Colburne 

M'.  Nicolas  Bowes 

M'.  Ezekiel  Price 

Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

Capt  Samuel  Dashwood 

M^  Jeremiah  Bell^nap 

Capt  Jeremiah  Stunsou         ]■      -     -     -     - 10 

M".  Jon*.  Amory 

Capt  Jabez  Hatch 

M".  Hermon  Brimmer  \-      -     -     -     -  11 

M''.  Samuel  Hewes 

Capt  Ephraim  May  "1 

M'.  Ebenezer  Dorr  [-     -     -     -     - 12 

M'.  Thomas  Baley  ) 

And  it  was  farther  Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Coinittee  be  directed 
to  acquaint  the  Overseers  of  their  respective  Wards,  of  the 
Time  set  for  the  Visitation,  &  to  ask  their  Company  therein,  & 
that  the  Constables  of  the  Town  attend  the  Coriiittee  in  said  Walk  ; 
&  the  Coihittee  are  also  directed  to  take  the  most  effectual  Meth- 
ods to  cause  the  Houses  in  the  several  Wards,  to  be  well  cleansed 

from  the  Infection.  

[59o]  That  Clause  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  of  the 
Expediency  of  Erecting  a  Pound  for  the  Security  of  Strays,  was 
read  &  considered,  —  and  the  Question  being  put — "Whether  it 
be  expedient,  that  a  Pound  be  erected  at  this  Time  —  Passed  in 
the  Negative  — 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz*.  "Whether  any  Application 
shall  be  made  to  Authority,  to  have  the  Militia  of  the  Town  Set- 
tled ;  &  to  determine  upon  some  Method  to  have  the  Inhabitants 
provided,  with  Arms,  according  to  Law  "  was  read,  &  after  some 
Debate,  the  Question  was  put  —  and  it  passed  in  the  Affirma- 
tive.   

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  of  the 


Wards 

N".  2 


242  City  Document  No.  91. 

Article  in  the  Warrunt  relative  to  settling  the  Militia,  be  referred 

to  Tuesday  afternoon  3  O'Clock 

Adjourned  to  Tuesday  next,  10  O'Clock  in  the  Forenoon 
Tuesday  the  27'^.  Day  of  August,  10  O'Clock  A.M.  met  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment. 

That  Clause  in  the  Warrant,  viz.   "  To  determine  upon  some 
Method  to  have  the  Inhabitants  provided  with  Arms  &c  according 
to  Law,"  —  was  read,  &  considered  —  Whereupon 
Voted,  that  M^  Ezekiel  Price 

Joseph  Greenleaff  Esq. 

M''.  Jonathan  Mason 

M'.  Joseph  Banett 

M^  Ellis  Gray 

Captain  Samuel  Partridge 

Major  Thomas  Daws 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coriiittee,  to  take  this  Matter  into 

Consideration,  &  report  their  Opinion  as  soon  as  may  be. 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Expediency  of  filling  up 
the  Vacancies  in  the  Coiiiittee  of  Correspondence  &  Inspection, 
&  after  long  Debates,  it  was  moved  &  seconded  &  the  Question 
accordingly  put  —  ' '  Whether,  according  to  a  Resolve  of  the 
Great  &  General  Court  of  this  State,  passed  the  13"^.  of  February 
1776,  relative  to  Commitees  of  Correspondence,  such  Persons  as 
have  been  elected  from  said  Comittee  [60o]  Representatives,  do 
not  by  such  Election,  cease  to  be  Members  of  said  Coinittee  "  — • 

Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

And  upon  a  Motion  made  —  the  Question  was  put  —  "  Whether 
it  be  not  the  Sense  of  the  Town,  that  all  other  Town  Officers,  are, 
by  the  said  Resolve,  excluded  from  Serving  Members  of  the  Com- 
ittee of  Correspondence,  Inspection  &g  "  —  Passed  in  the  Affirma- 
tive   


Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

3  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Town  took  into  Consideration  the  Expediency  of  filling  up  the 
Coinittee  of  Correspondence  Inspection  &  Safety  —  and  after  long 
Debates  —  it  was  moved  &  seconded,  &_the  Question  accordingly 
put  —  Whether  holding  any  military  Coihission  in  the  Continental 
or  Colonial  Army  is  not  incompatable  with  holding  any  Civil 
Trust  ?  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Adjourned  to  Wednesday  10  O'Clock  in  the  Forenoon 
Wednesday  the  28"^.  of  August  Instant,  10  O'Clock  A.M.  met 

according  to  Adjournment 

Mess".  William  Sherburne 

William  Mollineux     -     -     -     -      sworn 

Nathaniel  Jarvis D*". 

Martin  Becker D°. 

Thomas  Cartwright 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year, 
in  the  Room  of  those  who  are  absent,  or  have  resigned 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Six  Wardens  in  the 
Room  of  those  who  are  out  of  Town,  or  have  resigned,  and  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  243 

Capt.  Ephraim  May  -     -     -     -     excused 
M''.  Nathaniel  Bahlc 

M'.  Joseph  Banett excused 

M''.  Daniel  Bell  ------     sworn 

M^  William  Clough D°. 

]Vr.  Thomas  Fleet D°. 

M^  Edward  Edes excused 

[61,  ]  Were  chosen  Wardens  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year. 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

3  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment. • 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz.  "To  consider  of  some  effect- 
ual Measures  to  promote  Order,  &  a  Reformation  of  Manners, 
was  read  —  &  after  considerable  Debate,  with  respect  to  the  G-en- 
eral  Nature  of  the  Article,  &  what  was  intended  —  a  Motion  was 
made  &  seconded,  That  a  Comittee  be  appointed  to  take  this  Ar- 
ticle of  the  Warrant  into  Consideration,  &  report  at  the  intended 
Adjournment. — This  Motion  having  occasioned  considerable  De- 
bate, it  was  the  Sense  of  the  Town,  that  the  Question  upon  said 

Motion  should  not  then  be  put 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  To-morrow  Morning, 

10  O'clock,  A.  M. 

Thursday  10  O'Clock  A.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 
An  Order  of  Timothy  Pickering  Esq,  Judge  of  the  Court 
erected  by  this  State,  for  the  Trial  &  Condemnation  of  Vessells  &c. 
To  choose  Twelve  Jurymen,  for  a  Court  to  be  held  at  Boston,  the 
5"*.  Day  of  September  next,  10  O'Clock,  A.  M.  was  read,  where- 
upon 

Mess".  Isaac  Pierce 

Edward  Carnes 

Benj^  Cobb 

Thomas  Ivers 

Thomas  Hitchburne 

Joseph  Loring 

Samuel  Dashwood 

John  Andrews 

Edward  Tuckerman 

Levi  Jennings 

John  Newell 

John  Welch  -     -   (Jeweller) 

[63 o]  Were  drawn  out  of  the  Box  Jurymen  for  said  Court 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  relative  to'  filling  up  the  Comittee  of 
Correspondence  Inspection  &  Safety,  again  taken  up  and  de- 
bated   

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

Thursday  3  O'Clock,  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 
On  a  Motion,  Voted,  that  the  Town  will  now  come  to  the  Choice 
of  Ten  Members  for  the  Cornittee  of  Correspondence  Inspection 
&  Safety,  in  the  Room  of  those  who  have  resigned,  or  look'd  upon 
by  the  Town,  as  ceasing  to  be  Members  of  Said  Committee,  since 
their  being  chose  Representatives,  Viz'. 

Mess''^  Nathaniel  Appleton 
Oliver  Wendell 


244  City  Document  No.  91. 

William  Dennle 
Richard  Boynton 
William  Powell 
Caleb  Davis 
William  Cooper 
John  Brown 
John  Pitts 
John  Sweetser 
It  was  farther  Voted,  that  the  Choice  of  Ten  Members  for  the 

Coihittee  of  Correspondence  &c.  be  by  seperate  Votes. ■ 

The  Votes  being  brought  in  accordingly,  upon  sorting  them  at 
the  different  Times  they  were  brought  in,  it  appeared,  that 
j\P.  James  Bowdoiu 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
M^  Joshua  Blanchard 
M''.  William  Davis 
Capt.  Gustavus  Fellons 
Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
Capt.  Eleazer  Johnson 
M"^.  Hermoin  Brimmer 
M"".  Bessinger  Foster 
M''.  Ebenezer  Dorr 
were  chose  Members  of  the  Committee  of  Correspondence,  Inspec- 
tion &  Safety,  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that 

Joseph  Greenleaf  Esq. 
M"".  Stephen  Bruce 
Col:    Henry  Jackson 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee,  to  wait  on  those  Persons, 
who  were  Delinquents  on  the  late  Muster  Day,  for  their  Subscrip- 
tions towards  a   Bounty,    for   the  Encouragement  of   those  who 
turned  out  Volunteers  for  the  Nothern  or  Canada  Department  on 

said  Day 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  9*.  Day 
of  September  next,  10  O'Clock  A.  M.  to  meet  at  the  Representa- 
tives Chamber. 

Mouday  the  9"^.  day  of  September  10  o'Clock  Forenoon — met 

according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Town  Clerk  acquainted  the  Inhabitants,  that  agreeable  to 

their  Reeoinendation,  signified  to  the  General  Assembly,  they  had 

appointed 

Henry  Bromfield  Esq.    -     -     .     -     -     Col: 
'I'homas  Daws  Esq.  -----    L*.  Col: 

Ephraim  May       -------  Major 

William  Daws  Jun^      -     -     -     -2^.  Major 

of  the  Regiment  of  Militia  in  the  Town  of  Boston 

The  Venire  for  the  Choice  of  three  Jurymen  for  the  Court  of 

General  Sessions  of  the  Peace,  &  the  Inferior  Court  of  Common 

Pleas,  to  be  holden  at  Braintree  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  [64.] 

October  next,  was  read,  &  the  following  Persons  drawn  out  of  the 

Box,  Jurors  for  said  Court,  Viz'. 

Capt.  John  Matchet 


Boston   Town  Records,  1776.  245 

M'.  John  Preston 
M''.  Samuel  Hewes 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  of  some  Method  to  have 
the  Inhabitants  provided  with  Fu-e  Arms  &c  according  to  Law  — 
Reported, 

That  £251  ,,  7  ,,  2  Voted  by  the  Hon^"^  House  &  Council  of 
this  State,  in  Lieu  of  the  Arms  belonging  to  some  of  the  Inhab- 
itants of  this  Town,  be  received  &  put  into  the  Hands  of  a  Com- 
ittee,  whose  Business  shall  be  to  purchase,  in  the  best  Way  & 
Manner,  they  can,  a  Quantity  of  Muskets  for  the  Use  aforesaid, 
and  dispose  of  them  in  the  following  manner.  Viz'.  —  They  shall 
sell  to  such  of  the  Inhabitants,  as  are  able  to  purchase  them.  One 
of  said  Muskets  for  himself,  &  as  many  more  as  he  has  Persons 
in  his  Family,  liable  to  bear  Arms,  &  that  the  Money  so  received, 
shall  be  again  laid  out  for  Fke  Arms,  till  a  sufficient  Number 
shall  be  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  Town,  cfc  that  such  of  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  as  are  not  able  to  purchase  Arms,  shall 
be  furnished  in  the  manner  following.  Viz'. 

The  Coinittee  shall  deposit  with  the  Captains  of  the  several 
Military  Companies  in  said  Town,  a  Number  sufficient  to  supply 
such  Persons,  as  are  not  able  to  purchase  them,  to  be  delivered 
them  in  Case  of  Emergency,  &  on  Muster  Days  to  be  returned  to 
said  Captains,  when  they  are  not  in  Use. — And  the  Committee 
farther  reported,  that  a  Part  of  the  Money  aforesaid  should  be 
laid  out  in  Powder,  so  that  each  man  may  have  half  a  pound  at 
least  —  which  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  —  the  Ques- 
tion was  put —  "  Whether  the  same  be  accepted —  Passed  in  the 
Affirmative  —  Also  Voted,  that 

Capt  John  Marston 
Col.  Henry  Jackson 
Capt  John  Tyler 

[65.]                      M\  Joseph  Banet 
M^  Thomas  Hill 
M^  Joseph  Webb 
M''.  Martin  Brimmer 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  CoiSittee  to  carry  the   foregoing 
Report  into  Execution.  

A  Motion  was  made,  that  a  Vote  passed  at  the  late  Meeting, 
appointing  a  Comittee  to  wait  on  the  Delinquents,  on  the  late 
Muster  Day,  for  their  Subscription  towards  a  Bounty  for  the 
Encouragement  of  Volunteers  &c  be  reconsidered,  &  the  said 
Coinittee  excused  from  that  Service  —  and  the  Question  being  put 
—  Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

The  Committee  appointed  to  visit  the  several  Wards,  &  take 
the  State  of  the  Town,  with  respect  to  the  Small  Pox  —  Reported 
the  State  of  the  several  Wards  —  Whereupon 

Voted,  that  said  Comittee  be  desired  to  revisit  their  respective 
Wards,  &,  cause  that  such  Houses  as  are  unoccupied,  and  sus- 
pected of  being  infected,  be  well  smoak'd,  &  cleansed,  &  that  the 
Bills  of  Charge  arising  thereon  be  handed  in  to  the  Selectmen  for 
payment  &  said  Coinittee  are  desired  to  make  strict  Enquky,  how 
the  Orders  given  the  Inhabitants  for  cleansing  the  Houses  that 


246  City  Document  No.  91. 

had  been  infected,  had  been  complied  with  —  That  they  also 
enquire,  how  the  Inhabitants  are  fui'nished  with  small  Arms  ;  & 
in  a  very  particular  manner,  as  to  the  Number  of  Persons  that  are 
in  the  public  Service  by  Sea  &  Land  —  &  how  many  are  now  sick 
with  the  Small  Pox  ?  —  Also, 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen,  be  desired  to  use 
their  best  Endeavors,  that  the  Resolve  of  the  General  Court,  & 
the  several  Laws  now  in  force  relative  to  the  Small  Pox,  be 
carried  into  immediate  &  strict  Execution ;  &  that  they  take  the 
same  Measures  to  rid  the  Town  of  Infection,  as  have  been 
practised  to  prevent  the  Small  Pox  from  spreading  in  the 
Town. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  next,  being 
the  16"".  of  September  Instant  10  o'Clock  Forenoon. 

[66.]  Monday  the  16"*.  of  September  10  o'Clock  A.M.  met 
according  to  Adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  the  26"^.  of  August  last  to  visit  the 
Houses  of  the  several  Wards  in  this  Town,  &  to  take  the  State  of 
their  respective  Wards,  relative  to  the  Small  Pox  —  the  Number  of 
Inhabitants  in  the  Public  Service  — the  Number  of  Muskets  now  in 
Town,  in  the  Hands  of  the  Militia  &c  —  Report  as  follows,  Viz'. 

That  in  1566  Families  295  white  Persons  &  9  Blacks  had  re- 
ceived the  Small  Pox  in  the  natural  Way  ;  of  which  29  had  died ; 
the  Proportion  about  One  in  Ten ;  — that  2873  of  the  Inhabitants 
had  been  innoculated,  of  which  74  were  Blacks  —  also  1329  Per- 
sons from  the  country  &  786  Soldiers  — maldng  in  the  whole  4988, 
who  had  been  innoculated,  28  of  which  Number  had  died ;  the 
Proportion  of  One  in  one  hundred  &  ninety  two  —  that  20  Persons 
were  now  under  the  Distemper,  &  157  yet  exposed  to  it 

That  535  of  the  Inhabitants  were  now  in  the  Continental  Service, 
206  in  the  Colony,  &  166  in  the  Sea  Service  making  in  the  whole 
907  Persons  in  the  Service  of  their  Country  —  and  that  197  Mus- 
kets are  now  in  the  Hands  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  exclu- 
sive of  those  belonging  to  the  Independent  Company  so  called.  

The  Town  brought  in  then-  Votes  for  four  Wardens  in  the  Room 
of  M^  Colson,  M^  May,  M^  Barrel,  &  M^  Edes,  &  upon  sorting 
them  it  appeared,  that 

Mess'"^  Ephraim  Copeland 

John  Welch     -----     Jeweller 
Samuel  Payne 
Thomas  Baley 

were  chose  Wardens  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  then-  Votes  for  five  Constables —  & 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 
[67.]  Mess'^  John  Rogers 

Augustus  Hail  -----  s 
Benjamin  Clark  -----  s 
Thomas  Stevenson  -  -  -  -  s 
John  Bartlett  -----  s 
were  chosen  Constables  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year 

A  Motion  was  made  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved 

And  it  was  accordingly  dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  247 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  the 
old  Brick  Meeting  House,  in  Boston,  October  the  U"'.  1776,9 
o'clock  A.M.  in  Consequence  of  a  Resolve  of  the  Hon**'*.  House  of 
Representatives  of  this  State,  passed  the  17'^.  of  September 
last.  

Warrant  for  Calling  tlie  Meeting  — read. 

Voted,  to  come  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  Hand  Vote. 

Renjamin  Kent  Esq. 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 

The  Resolve  of  the  Hon**'^.  House  of  Representatives  of  this  State, 
passed  the  17'^^.  of  September  last  Viz',  —  "  That  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  each  Town  in  this  State,  being 
free  &  Twenty  One  Years  of  Age,  or  upwards,  that  assemble  as 
soon  as  they  can  in  Town  Meeting,  upon  seasonable  previous 
Warning,  to  be  therefor  given,  according  to  Law,  &  that,  in  such 
Meeting,  they  consider  &  determine  whether  they  will  give  their 
Consent,  that  the  present  House  of  Representatives  of  this  State 
of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  together  with  the  Council 
if  they  consent,  in  One  Body  with  the  House,  &  by  equal  Vote, 
should  consult,  agree  on,  &  enact  such  a  Constitution  [68a]  And 
Form  of  Government  for  this  State,  as  the  said  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives &  Council  aforesaid,  on  the  fullest  &  most  mature  De- 
liberation shall  judge  will  be  most  conducive  to  the  Safety,  Peace, 
&  Happiness  of  this  State,  in  all  after  &  successive  Generations  ; 
&  if  they  would  direct  that  the  same  be  made  public  for  the  In- 
spection &  Perusal  of  the  Inhabitants,  before  the  Ratification 
thereof  by  the  Assembly.  And  that  each  Town,  as  soon  as  may 
be,  after  they  have  passed  on  the  Question  aforesaid,  cause  their 
Votes,  or  Resolutions  thereon,  to  be  certified  into  the  Office  of  the 
Secretary  of  this  State."  —  was  read  &  considered  — whereupon 
a  Motion  was  made  —  that  the  previous  Question  might  be  put  — 
Viz'.  "  Whether  the  Town  will  now  act  upon  this  Resolve  "?  and 
the  same  being  put  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

The  said  Resolve  being  again  read,  after  considerable  Debate  — ■ 
the  Question  was  put  in  these  AVords  of  the  Resolve,  which  passed 
in  the  Negative  Unanimously 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  a  Comittee  be  appointed  to  draw 
up  the  Reasons  the  Town  had  for  Voting  as  they  have  done,  to  be 
certified  into  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of  this  State. 

Voted,  that  Thomas  Boylston  Esq. 
Joseph  Greenleaff  Esq 
M''.  Ellis  Gray 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid,  &  to  report  as  soon  as 
may  b€ 


Adjourned  to  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon    

3  o'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  draw  up  and  state  the  Reasons, 
which  operated  to  the  Town's  Voting  in  the  Negative  —  when  the 
Question  was  put,  relative  to  impowering  the  House  &  Council  in 
One  Body  to  form  a  Constitution  of  Government  to  be  laid  before 
the  People  for  their  Perusal  &  Inspection  —  Reported  as  follows, 
Viz'. 


248  City  Document  No.  91. 

1'.  "We  apprehend  the  People  have  some  higher  Privileges, 
than  [69.]  A  bare  Inspection  &  Perusal  of  the  Constitution  un- 
der which  they  are  to  live. 

2^.  The  present  General  Court  were  not  chosen  for  the  Purpose 
of  forming  a  Government,  which,  of  Right,  originates  with  the 
People. 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  —  after  long  Debate,  it  was 
Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  the 
Adjournment. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  16'^. 
instant,  10  o'Clock  A.  M. 

Wednesday  th€  16""  of  October  1776,  A.M.  met  according  to 
Adjournment. 

The  Report  of  the  C  ommittee  for  stating  the  Reasons  the  Town 
had  for  not  impowering  the  Hon'''''.  House  of  Representatives  to 
form  a  Constitution  of  Government  —  again  read  and  considered  — 
&  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Report  be  recommitted. 

The  Coihittee  for  stating  Reasons  etc.  —  Reported  as  follows, 
Viz'. 

1'.  To  form  Government  &  establish  a  Constitution  for  the 
present  &  succeeding  Generation,  is  a  Task  or  Consideration  the 
most  important,  it  extends  as  much  to  our  Beligioui  as  Cioil  Lib- 
erties, &  includes  our  All  —  It  effects  every  Individual ;  every  In- 
dividual therefore  ought  to  be  consulting,  acting  &  assisting. 

2^.  A  Subject  of  such  General,  &  indeed  Infinite  Concernment 
ought  to  be  proceeded  in  with  the  greatest  Caution  &,  maturest 
Deliberation.  —  The  Means  or  Channels  of  Information  should  all 
lay  open  to  the  People,  &not  restricted  or  confined  to  any  particu- 
lar Assembly  however  respectable. 

3*^.  Precipitancy  is  to  be  guarded  against  time  &  Opportunity 
shou'd  be  taken  by  the  people  whose  right  it  is  to  form  Govern- 
ment, to  collect  the  wisest  Sentiments  on  this  Subject ;  not  of  the 
present  House  only,  but  also  of  the  Council,  &  every  other  Society, 
or  Member  of  the  State,  that  would  favor  the  Public  with  their 
Sentiments,  [70.]  In  Order  that  they  may  possess  themselves  of 
such  Principles,  &  wise  Maxims  sounded  on  the  best  Precedents, 
&  thereby  be  enabled  to  form  a  judicious  &  happy  Constitution  of 
Government. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  the  Ques- 
tion was  put  —  ' '  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  "  ?  Passed 
in  the  Affirmative  Unanimously. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to  cause  the  foregoing 
Votes,  or  Resolutions,  relative  to  the  Resolve  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  to  be  certified  into  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of 
this  State. 

Adjourned  to  3  o'Clock  in  the  Afternoon 

3  o'clock  afternoon,  met  according  to  Adjournment 

A  Motion  made  relative  forming  a  new  Government,  was  the 

Subject   Matter   of   a   long  Debate,  but  the  Motion  was  finally 

withdrawn 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved,  and  it  was  accordingly 

dissolved. 


Boston  Town   Records,  1776.  249 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duely 
qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town  Meeting  assembled  at 
the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House  11"\  of  October  1776,—  10  o'Clock 
A.M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read 


Voted  to  come  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  Hand  Vote 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 

:was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  4  o'Clock  P.M. 

4  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

On   a  Motion   made,  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  farther  ad- 
journed to  Wednesday,  16"".  day  of  October  instant,  10  o'Clock 

before  Noon 

[71.]     And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 


Wednesday  the  16"^.  of  October  11  O'Clock  —  forenoon,  met 
according  to  Adjournment. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  4  O'Clock  after 
Noon. 

4  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 
The  Committee  appointed  at  a  late  Meeting  to  prepare  a  By-Law, 
relative  to  forestalling  of  Wood  and  other  Necessaries  of  Life  — 
Report  a  By-Law  for  preventing  of  those  Evils,  &  the  same  hav- 
ing been  read  &  considered,  the  Question  was  put.  Viz*.  Whether 
it  shall  be  accepted  as  a  By-Law  of  this  Town — Passed  in  the 

Negative 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "  To  consider  the  Petition  of  a 
Number  of  the  Inhabitants  relative  to  several  Grievances  arising 
from  the  Forestalling  of  Wood,  Provisions  and  other  Necessaries 
of  Life  "  —  was  read,  &  after  considerable  Debate, 
Voted,  that  Col.  Thomas  Daws 

M^  Ezekiel  Price 

Col.  Nathaniel  Barber 

M^  Ellis  Gray 

Capt.  Williams 

Deacon  Jonathan  Mason 

M^  Samuel  Whitwell 

M"".  John  Reed 

be  a  Coiiaittee  to  take  this  Matter  into  Consideration,  &  report  as 
soon  as  may  be,  what  they  apprehend  will  be  for  the  Interest  of 

the  Town  to  be  done  therfeon 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday,  next  the 
23*^.  of  October  instant,  10  o'Clock,  to  receive  the  Report  of  the 
forenamed  Committee,  &  to  act  upon  other  Articles  of  the 
Warrant • 

Wednesday  October  23*^.  1776,  met  according  to  Adjourn- 
ment  

["TS,]  Benjamin  Kent  Esq.  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  being 
on  a  Journey, 

M^  Ezekiel  Price 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  Pro.  Tern. 

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  relative  to  ser  • 


250  City  Document  No.  91. 

eral  Grievances  arising  from  the  forestalling  of  "Wood  &  other 
Necessaries  of  Life,  informed  the  Town,  that  they  were  not  ready 
to  make  Report 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  all  Matters  &  things  mentioned 
in  the  Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting,  &  which  remain  unfin- 
ished, be  referred  over  to  the  next  Town  Meeting,  then  to  be 
taken  up  &  acted  upon. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved,  and  it  was  accordingly 
dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duely 
qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town  Meeting  assembled,  at 
the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House,  aO*\  Day  of  October,  10  o'Clock 
A.M.  Anno  Domini  1776 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read 


The  Town  brought  in  their  V^otes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing, &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M'".  Jonathan  Mason 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  the  Meeting. 

The  Article  in  the  WaiTant  Viz'.  "  To  consider  and  determine 
what  Measures  shall  be  taken,  respecting  the  Poor  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  who,  by  a  late  Resolve  of  the  General  Court,  are  to  be 
removed  from  Salem  &  elsewhere,  to  this  Town  "  ?  —  was  read  — 
whereupon  considerable  Debate  arose,  &  a  Motion  was  made, 
"  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be  impowered  to  borrow  a  Sum  of 
Money  for  the  Use  of  the  Overseers"  [73.]  "  It  was  objected  to, 
as  not  being  inserted  in  the  Warrant "  —  and  a  Doubt  arising. 
Whether  the  Town  was  legally  warned  —  It  was  moved  &  Voted 
that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved,  &  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  dis- 
solved.   

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duely 
qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public  Town  Meeting  assembled,  at 
the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House,  November  the  8"^.  1776. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

The  Inhabitants  were  du-ected  to  withdraw  &  bring  in  their  Votes 
for  a  Moderator,  &  the  Votes  being'  accordingly  brought  in  & 
sorted,  it  appeared,  that 

M^  Jonathan  Mason 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  determine  what  Meas- 
ures shall  be  taken,  respecting  the  Poor  of  Boston,  &  the  Sum  of 
Money  that  shall  be  raised  for  their  Support"  —  was  read  —  &  after 
considerable  Debate,  it  was  moved  &  Voted,  that  the  farther  Con- 
sideration thereof  be  referred  to  3  O'Clock  Afternoon  

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  &  estimate 
what  Measures  shall  be  taken,  to  estimate  the  Damages  the  Town 
has  sustained  since  the  Port  Bill  took  Place  "  —  was  read  —  & 
after  long  Debate,  Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  be  referred 
to  the  Afternoon. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  251 

3  O'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjonrraent 
The  Town  brought  in  theii-  Votes  for  two  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
&  upon  sorting  them,  it  appeared,  that 
Isaac  Smith  Esq. 
M"".  Edward  Payne 

were  chose  Overseers  of  the  Poor  the  Year  ensuing. 

[74.]  The  Town  again  took  into  Consideration  the  Article  in 
the  Warrant  relative  to  the  Poor  of  Boston  ;  &  a  Vote  in  writing 
was  prepared,  which  was  committed  to  M^  Otis  for  Amendment 

The  Town  again  entered  upon  the  Consideration  of  that  Article 
in  the  Warrant  relative  to  estimating  the  Damages  the  Town  has 
sustained  since  the  passing  the  Port  Bill  —  Whereupon 
Voted,  that  Col:  Daws 

M^  Joseph  Barrel 
M"".  Ezekiel  Price 
Col:    Bromfield 
M".  Ebenezer  Dorr 
Col:    Barber 
Capt  Procter 
be  a  Coiiiittee  to  consider  &  report  a  List  of  suitable  Persons  to  be 
employed  by  the  Town  in  Estimating  the  Damages  sustained  by 

them  since  the  Port  Bill  took  place. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the 
Town  be,  &  hereby  are  given  to  John  Barret  &  John  Leverett 
Esq",  for  their  faithful  Services,  as  Overseers  of  the  Poor  a  Num- 
ber of  Years  past. 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State,  by  their  Resolve 
of  the  17*.  of  October  last,  determined  that  the  Inhabitants  of 
Boston  disposed  in  the  several  Towns  in  this  State,  &  suppoi'ted 
at  the  public  Expence,  be  returned  to  the  Town,  on  or  before  the 
1'.  of  December  next,  &  maintain'd  at  the  Expence  of  the  Town  ; 
&  the  Selectmen  of  Salem  have  informed  the  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  that  they  intend  to  send  the  poor,  formerly  belonging  to  the 
Alms  House,  &  now  in  the  Hospital  at  Salem,  to  this  Town  by 
Water,  on  the  12"^.  or  13''.  of  this  Month,  their  being  at  this  Time 
no  Money  in  the  Treasury,  nor  any  Tax  made,  that,  in  the  present 
distressed  State  of  the  Town,  can  possibly  be  collected  for  the  Re- 
pairs of  the  Almshouse,  &  the  Support  of  said  poor  —  Voted, 
that  the  Town  Treasurer  be,  &  he  hereby  is  directed  &  impowered 
to  borrow  from  [75.]  Time  to  time  such  Sums  of  Money,  as  he 
may  have  Occasion  for,  to  pay  the  Draughts  of  the  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  for  the  Support  of  said  Poor,  to  the  Amount  of  five 
thousand  Pounds,  &  to  give  his  Note  or  Notes  for  the  same  on  In- 
terest.   

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.     "  To  appoint  a  Comittee  to 
examine  into  the  State  of  the  Town  Treasury,  and  the  Annual  Ex- 
pences  of  the  Town"  —  was  read  —  Whereupon 
Voted,  that  M^  Joseph  Barrel 
Col:  Daws 
M^  Edward  Payne 
M'.         Banet 
M'.  Storer 


252  City  Document  No.  91. 

be  a  Comitee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid,  &  to  report  as  soon  as 
may  be 

That  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  determine  what  Num- 
ber of  Schools  shall  be  opened,  &  the  Salaries  that  shall  be  allowed 
the  Masters  &  their  Ushers"  —  was  read  &  considered  —  where- 
upon. 

Voted,  that  the  School  in  Queen  Street,  of  which  M"".  John  Car- 
ter is  Master,  be  immediately  opened  for  the  Accommodation  of 
the  Youth  in  that  part  of  the  Town . 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are 
directed  to  appoint  an  Usher  for  one  or  all  the  Schools,  if  they 
shall  apprehend  that  Assistance  is  wanted. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  Twenty  pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M''.  Samuel  Hunt,  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of 
the  South  Grammar  School  for  the  Remainder  of  the  Year,  the 
same  to  be  paid  him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  com- 
mence from  the  Time  the  School  was  opened. • 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds,  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M''.  Samuel  Hunt,  in  Additiom  to  his  Salary  of  £120  — 
in  Consideration  of  the  present  high  Price  of  the  Necessaries  of 
Life. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  [76,]  Be  allowed 
&  paid  unto  M".  Samuel  Holbrook,  for  his  Salary,  as  Master 
of  the  Writing  School  in  the  Common  the  ensuing  Year,  the  same 
to  be  paid  quarterly  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  from 
the  Time  the  School  was  opened. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M"".  Samuel  Holbrook,  in  Consideration  of  the  present 
high  Price  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M"".  James  Tileston  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  North 
Writing  School  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  quarterly, 
as  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  from  the  time  the  School  was 
opened. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M''.  James  Tiletson,  in  Consideration  of  the  present  high 
Price  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  Hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M"".  James  Carter  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  Wright- 
ing  School  in  Queen  Street  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  from  the 
time  the  School  was  opened. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M^  James  Carter,  in  Consideration  of  the  present  high 
Price  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  the  11*.  of 
November  instant,  10  O'Clock  Forenoon. 

Monday  November  11"'.  10  O'Clook,  forenoon  —  met  according 
to  Adjournment. 

The  CoFnittee  appointed  to  consider  the  Petition  of  a  Number  of 
the  Inhabitants  relative  to  several  Grievances  arising  from  the 
forestalling  of  Wood,  Provisions  &  other  Necessaries  of  Life  "  — 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1776.  253 

beg  Leave  to  recommend,  that  the  Laws  relative  to  Forestallers 
&c.  be  immediately  put  into  Execution  —  that  Measurers  of  Wood 
be  [77.]  Immediately  appointed,  &  that  every  Coaster,  that  re- 
ceives a  Pass  from  the  Office,  have  given  him  the  Law  relative  to 
Wood  —  that  the  Persons  employed  in  Cuitting  Wood  this  Win- 
ter may  not  plead  Ignorance  —  That  Scales  &  Weights  be  fixt  in 
the  Market  &  the  Square  for  weighing  small  Draughts,  to  prevent 
the  Iniquity  &  Damage  arising  from  weighing  with  Steelyards  — 
That  the  Inhabitants  be  as  sparing  as  possible  in  purchasing  of 
Butter  &  such  other  Articles  as  bear  a  high  Price  ;  &  that  all  they 
purchase  be  by  Weight  &  Measure  ;  as  many  Persons  that  have 
lately  purchased  Indian  Meal  in  Bags  for  two  Bushels,  on  Meas- 
uring have  found  considerable  wanting  —  so  in  Butter,  oftentimes 
there  has  not  been  more  than  fourteen  or  fifteen  Ounces  to  the 

Pound. 

The  Coinittee  forbear  mentioning  at  present  the  Names  of  some 
Persons  hinted  to  them,  who,  by  engrossing  and  Forestalling,  not 
only  the  Necessaries  of  Life,  but  many  other  Articles,  are  greatly 
injuring  the  Town,  hoping  they  will  desist  from  such  Practices,  so 
exceedingly  prejudicial  to  the  Community,  or  they  must  expect  to 

be  held  up  as  unworthy  the  Name  of  Friends  to  their  Country. 

Thomas  Daws  p.  Order  — 
The   foregoing   Report   having  been   read  &  considered  —  the 
Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed 
in  the  Affirmative 

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  prepare  a  List  of  suitable  Persons 
to  be  employed  by  the  Town,  for  collecting  an  Account  of  the 
Damages  sustained  since  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  having  reported,  it 
was 

Voted,  that  Sixty  Persons  be  chosen,  as  a  Committee  Five  for 
each  Ward,  for  the  Service  aforesaid  —  and  the  following  Persons 
were  appointed.  Viz'. 

Capt.  Fortesque  Vernon     ^ 

Capt  Caleb  Hopkins  j 

M^  Thomas  Adams  V  Wards 

M"".  Nathaniel  Heath  f  N°.  1. 

M"".  Zepheniah  Hart 

M'.  Benjamin  Burt 

M^  Edward  Grant 

M^  John  Lambert  jun\       J-  IST".  2 

M'.  Joseph  Clark 

M"".  John  Brown 

Francis  Shaw  Esq.  \ 

Capt  Daniel  Martin 

M^  Joseph  Eustis  \ 

W.  John  Wells 

M".  Nathaniel  HitchburneJ 

Nathaniel  Barber  Esq. 

M".  Thomas  Greenough 

M^  Gibbins  Sharp 

M^  Thomas  Crafts  jun'. 

M^  Timothy  Atkins 


254 


City  Document  No.  91. 


[79.] 


r 


Wards 

N°.  5 


1 


8. 


Capt  "William  Makay 

M'.  Edward  Gray 

M^  Jonathan  Stoddard 

M'.  Asa  Stoddard 

M'.  Thomas  Hitchburne 

Joseph  Greenleaff  Esq. 

Henry  Jackson  Esq. 

Capt  Samuel  Barrett 

Capt  William  Bell 

M^  Benj^.    Sumner  Sen^ 

Capt  Downe  Cheever 

M^  Timothy  Newell 

Capt  Job  Prince 

M^  Wmiam  Homer 

M^  William  Crafts 

M^  John   Lowell 

M^  Joseph  Hall 

Capt  John  Bradford 

M^  Benj*.  Eustis 

Capt  Charles  Williams 

M^  Thomas  Russell 

M'.  Barthol'^.  Kneeland 

Capt  William  Fleet 

M''.  John  Hudson 

M"".  Thomas  Parker 

Capt  Samuel  Dogget 

M'  John  Tileston 
Daniel  Ingersol 
Thomas  Tileston 
Henry  Tompson 
Benjamin  Church 
Martin  Brimmer 

Capt  Samuel  Payne 

M'.  John  Preston 

M^  Rich*^.  Honeywell 

Arnold  Wells  Esq 

M'.  WUliam  Powell 

Capt  Gustavus  Fellows 

M^  Thomas  Baley 

M^  John  Lucas 
On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that 

Col.  Thomas  Daws 

M'.  Edward  Payne 

M^  Joseph  Barrell 

M'.  Ezekiel  Price 

M^  Henderson  Inches 
Be  a  Comlttee  to  draught  &  report  to  the  Town  a  sutable  Plan 
of  procedure  for  the  Comittee  appointed  to  collect  Accounts  of  the 

Damages  sustain'd  since  the  Port  Bill  took  place. 

A  Motion  made  for  re-considering  the  Vote  for  accepting  the 
Report  of  the  Coinittee  relative  to  Forestalling  the  Market  — 
after  long  Debate  the  Motion  was  withdrawn. 


M-^ 
M' 
M^ 
M' 
M' 


10 


11 


12 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  255 

[80.]  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock 
Afternoon. 

3  O'clock  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to 
Monday  the  IS"",  instant,  10  O'Clock  —  forenoon 

Monday  November  the  18'''.  10  O'Clock  Before  Noon  —  Met 
according  to  Adjournment. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  fill 
up  any  Vacancy  that  may  happen  in  the  Committee  chosen  out  of 
the  several  Wards,  for  the  Purpose  of  Collecting  an  Ace',  of  the 
Damages  the  Town  has  sustained  since  the  Port  Bill. 

The  Town  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor,  in 
the  Room  of  M'.  Daniel  Waldo,  who  has  not  returned  from  the 
Country,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M'.  Nathaniel  Barrett 
was  unanimousljf  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  present 
Year. 

On  a  motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  & 
hereby  are  given  to  M'.  Daniel  Waldo  for  his  faithful  Services,  as 
an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  a  Number  of  Years  past 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  consider  &  report  some  proper 
Method  of  ascertaining  the  Losses  &  Damages  occasioned  by  by 
the  Army  &  Navy  stationed  in  this  Town  &  Harbour,  having 
attended  that  Business,  &  prepared  a  List  of  such  Articles  as 
appear  to  them  to  have  been  destroyed,  damaged  or  taken  from 
the  Inhabitants  which  they  herewith  present  for  the  Consideration 
of  the  Town  —  They  likewise  propose  that  Hand  Bills  .be  sent  to 
the  Inhabitants  informing  them  of  the  particular  contain'd  in  the 
Schedule,  to  be  delivered  the  Comittee  for  each  ward,  &  that  the 
Sufferers  be  therein  desired  to  have  a  particular  Account  of  their 
Losses  ready  to  delivered  the  Coinittee,  on,  or  before  the  10-''. 
Day  of  December  next. 

[81.]  In  this  Schedule,  no  Ace',  is  proposed  to  be  taken  of 
the  Losses  sustained  by  the  Port  Bill,  as  no  just  estimate  can  be 
made  of  the  loss  of  the  Trade,  &  the  Difficulties  in  carrying  it  on, 
which  so  great,  as  to  induce  some  Merchants  to  quit  Business  &• 
sell  their  Vessels  at  a  considerable  Loss. 

The  General  Assembly  in  their  Resolve,  having  directed  their 
Comittee  to  extend  their  Enquires  as  far  back  as  the  taking  place 
of  the  Port  Bill,  it  will  be  proper  to  take  Notice  of  such  Facts,  as 
may  be  ascertained  relating  to  the  DiflSculties  occasioned  by  this 
cruel  &  barbarous  Act,  Viz'. 

The  Number  of  Vessels  in  the  Harbor,  when  Advice  was 
received  of  said  Bill  being  passed,  many  of  which  went  to  Sea  not 
fully  loaded,  others  went  to  Salem,  Plymouth  and  other  Parts 
some  in  Ballast,  &  others  to  eompleat  their  Loading  part  of  which 
was  carted  from  hence. 

The  Number  &  Burthen  of  Vessels  belonging  to  this  Town, 
that  entered  &  cleared  at  the  Port  of  Salem,  the  quantity  of 
Goods  imported  in  said  Vessels,  &  the  Expence  of  carting  them 
from  thence. 

The  expence  of  unloading  &  reloading  the  Vessels  loaded  with 


256  City  Document  No.  91. 

Victuals  &  Fruit,  that  were  obliged  to  call  at  Marblehead,  &  be 
there  examined,  &  the  Expence  of  Carriers,  Masters  &  Seamen 
travelling  to  &  from  the  Harbor,  where  their  Vessels  were  loading 

&  unloading. 

There  are  Charges  that  have  been  paid  by  Owners  of  Vessels, 
&  if  the  bare  Carting  the  G-oods  imported  &  exported,  amount  to 
so  considerable  a  Sum,  as  will  appear  by  this  Account,  the 
Assembly  may  be  convinced  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town 
were  very  great  Sufferers  by  that  Act.  —  By  Order  of  the  Comittee 

Thomas  Daws  Chairman 
The  Hand  Bill  reported  is  as  follows,  Viz*. 

The  Hon"''".  Continental  Congress,  &  the  General  Asembly  of 
this  State,  having  resolved,  that  a  just  &  well  [82.]  Authen- 
ticated Account  of  Hostilities  committed  by  the  ministerial  Troops 
&  Navy  in  America,  since  March  1775,  be  collected  with  proper 
Evidence  of  the  Truth  of  the  Facts  related ;  the  Number  and 
Value  of  the  Buildings  destroyed  by  them,  also  the  Number  & 
Value  of  the  Vessels,  inward  &  outward  bound,  which  have  been 
seized  by  them,  as  near  as  can  be  ascertained ;  also  the  Stock 
taken  by  them  from  the  different  Parts  of  the  Continent. 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  are  hereby  notified,  that 
Committees  are  appointed  for  each  Ward,  to  ascertain  the  Value 
of  the  Buildings  wholly  destroyed,  &  the  Expence  of  repairing 
such  as  were  partly  destroyed  ;  also  to  receive  from  such  Persons 
as  have  been  Sufferers  a  particular  Account  in  Writing,  &  on  Oath, 
of  the  Losses  and  Damages  they  have  suffered,  either  in  Merchan- 
dize, Furniture,  Plate,  Money,  or  other  Personal  Estate:  And 
those  who  have  been  Sufferers  by  the_Army  or  Navy,  are  desired  to 
get  their  Accounts,  ready  for  the  Comittees,  on  or  before  the  10"'. 
of  December  next,  when  the  Committees  will  attend  this  Business, 
&  call  upon  the  Inhabitants  for  said  Accounts.  And  the  Inhabi- 
tants are  farther  informed,  that  a  Schedule  is  delivered  to  said 
Coihittees,  containing  the  Method  in  which  they  are  to  proceed  in 
ascertaining  the  same :  The  Heads  of  each  Column  being  as 
follows 

Column  1'.  Names  of  the  Sufferers,  &  of  the  Public  Buildings  de- 
stroyed, or  otherwise  damaged. 

Col.  2''.  Number  &  Value  of  dwelling  Houses  &  other  Buildings 
wholly  destroyed. 

Col.  S'^.  Expence  of  repairing  Dwelling  Houses,  AVharves  &  other 
Buildings  partly  destroyed. 

Col.  4'".  Expence  of  repairing  the  Meeting  houses,  &  other 
public  Buildings,  made  Use  of  as  Barracks. 

Col.  5.  Damages  sustained  in  Lands  on  the  Neck,  Common,  and 
where  their  Works  were  erected,  &  the  Fences  in  every  part  of  the 
Town. 

Col.  6.  Value  of  Household  Furniture  destroyed,  damaged,  or 
carried  away  by  the  OflScers  &  others  as  appears  by  attested  Ac- 
counts, left  with  the  Committee 

[83.]  Col.  7"'.  Number  &  Value  of  Vessels  &  Cargoes,  seized 
and  taken. 

Col.  8"'.  Value  of  Stock,  Hay,  Grain,  Houses,  and  other  Build- 


Boston  Town   Records,   1776.  257 

ings  on  the  Islands  &  in  the  Harbours,  taken,   destroyed  or  dam- 
aged.   

Col.  9'^.  Value  of  Merchandize  &  other  Effects  taken  from  the 
Inhabitants,  as  P  Account  of  Particulars. 

Col.  10"*.  Value  of  Salt  thrown  into  the  Sea,  Liquors  stove  and 
other  Articles  destroyed 

Col:  11''':  Yearly  Rent  of  Dwelling  Houses  &  other  Buildings 
occupied  by  the  Officers,  or  improved  as  Barracks,  some  of  which 
were  contracted  for,  &  others  taken  by  Force,  &  no  Rent  paid  for 
either. 

Col:  12*  :  Yearly  Rent  of  Houses  occupied  by  the  Inhabitants 
removed  out  of  Town,  many  of  which  still  remain  empty,  as  the 
Occupiers  are  not  returned. 

Col:  13'^  ;  Number  &  Value  of  Arms  taken  from  the  Inhabitants 
lodged  in  the  State  House,  &  destroyed  by  General  Howe's  Order. 

Col:  14*  :  Value  of  Cannon  &  Stores  taken  out  of  the  Batteries, 
or  destroyed,  &  the  Town's  Stock  of  Powder. 

Col:  15*  :  Charges  of  transporting  Furniture  &  Families  into 
the  Country  &  back  again  to  Boston. 

Col:   16*  :  Sum  total  of  the  Losses  &  Damages 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  —  The 
Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  —  Passed 
in  the  Affirmative. 

On  a  Motion  made,  that  a  seperate  CoiSittee  may  be  chosen  for 
the  special  Purpose  of  Estimating   the   Damages   the  Town  has 
sustained  by  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  so  called. 
Voted,  that  Col:  Daws 

M'.  Edward  Payne 
M'  Joseph  Barrel 
'      M'.  Ezekiel  Price 
M"".  Henderson  Inches 

[84.]  Be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  for  the  Pur- 
pose aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  the  27* 
of  November  instant,  10  O'Clock  Forenoon,  and  the  Meeting  was 
accordingly  adjourned. 

Wednesday  November  27*.  1776.  10,  O'Clock  A.M.  Met  ac- 
cording to  Adjournment. 

The  Comittee  appointed  to  examine  the  State  of  the  Town 
Treasury,  &  the  Treasurer's  Accounts,  Report  —  That  they  have 
attended  that  Service  &  find  the  Accounts  right  cast  &  well 
vouched. — The  Treasurer  charges  himself  with  sundry  Rents, 
Fines  &  other  Incomes  of  the  Town,  to  the  Amount  of  £7122  ,,  0  ,, 
2|  including  Ballance  of  old  Accounts  ;  &  discharges  himself  by 
sundry  Abatements  made  the  Collectors,  amounting  to  —  £795  ,, 
18  ,,  2 — by  Draughts  from  the  Selectmen  of  £4421  ,,  17  ,, 
7^  of  which  he  has  paid  only  £3910  ,,  14  ,,  5| — by  Draughts 
from  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  £3458  ,,  11  ,,  2 — the  Charges 
of  the  Almshouses  of  which  he  has  paid  only  £2628  ,,  18  ,,  5 
—  By  Sundry  Sums  of  Interest  paid  £167  ,,  11  ,,  7  —  The 
Comittee  find  the  above  Sums,  including  £1211  ,,  8  ,,  10^ 
(bad  Debts  ordered  by  the   Town  to   be   cancelled)  amount   to 


258  City  Document  No.  91. 

£10055  ,,  7  ,,  5  —  which   leaves   a   Ballance    against  the  Town 
£2933     „  7  „  2^. • 

The  Committee  find  the  State  by  the  Books  in  March  1775,  but 
they  apprehend  the  true  State  at  the  present  Day,  without  taking 
into   the   Account  a  Number  of  nominal  Debts  of  no  Value,  ib 
thus  — ■ 
Due   to   sundry   Persons,    as  p.   Notes  —  on 

Interest £6208  „  10  „  11^ 

Interest  due  to  the  present  day  —  at  least    -     -       800  ,,     0  ,,    0 
Unpaid  on  the  Selectmen  ife  Overseers  draughts  )     .q.,  ^        o4- 

£1140  ,,  9  ,,  6  of  which  is  none  on  Interest  f      ^  ^  "         "      l 
Cash  borrowed  in  Part  of  the  £2000  -     -     -  |        g2j        ^^        y 


Voted  in  May  last 


i 


The  whole  Debts  now  due     -     -----  £9745  ,,     7  ,,    7| 

[85.]  There  appears  to  come  to  the  Credit  ^ 
the   following   sundry   Debts   on  the   j 
Books  to  the  Amount  of  £1489  ,,  19  „  9    1^    £230 
which  the  Committee  suppose  will  never 
neat  the  Town  above     ------- 

Due  from  Collectors  of  Taxes  -     -     -   Viz'. 

From  Abraham  Savage  -     -     -     -  £523 

Edward  HoUyday 492 

Benjamin  Gray     ------     345 

Benjamin  Henderson      -     -     -     -      169 


£1129 


Due  from  the  Estate  of   John  Ruddock  )        204  ,,  13  „    8f 


£1529 ^ 
Deduct  due  to  them  for  Premiums  400  I 
The  Town  will  judge  what  Part  of  this  -  f 
is  likely  to  be  collected  &  when  -     -     -     -  J 

Esq.  on  Account  of  Lotteries     -     -     -     -  j 

£1563  ,,  13  ,,    8^ 

Allowing  all  the  above  to  be  good,  which  the  Comittee  by  no 
means  think  the  Case,  then  will  be  a  Ballance  against  the  Town 
of £8181  ,,  13  ,,    11 

And  the  Vote  for  the  Support  of  the  Poor  -      5000   -        -       - 

The  current  Charges  for  the  present  Year  )      -  2500  -         -       - 

—  of  Schools,  Town  Watch  &g  &c  will  be     j 

Total  Debt    £15681  „  13  „    11 

By  the  above  it  appears,  when  the  Sums  already  voted,  are  bor- 
rowed &  Provisions  made  for  the  present  Year,  the  Town  wOl  be 
in  Debt  to  the  amazing  Sum  of  £15681  ,,  13  ,,  11  —  which  there 
appears  no  Fund  to  discharge 

The  Coinittee  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  the  Town,  whether  it 
would  not  be  best,  in  future,  that  the  Money  granted  for  each 
particular  Year,  should  be  invariably  applied  to  defray  the  Ex- 
penses of  that  Year  only,  &  that  it  be  made  a  Rule,  that  the  first 
Draughts  should  be  first  paid  ;----------- 

[86.]  The  Comittee  are  of  Opinion,  that  a  Regulation  of  this 
kind,  would  be  for  the  C  redit  of  the  Town,  &  encourage  the 
Hearts  of  the  Officers  of  the  Town,  as  every  Man  then  be  assured 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776-77.  259 

of  his  Money  in  his  Turn,  without  any  needless  Attendance,  &  the 
Punctuality  would  prevent  those  useful  Servants  of  the  Town,  the 
Schoolmasters,  from  appearing,  by  their  Heirs,  as  Creditors  of  the 
Town. 

The  Comittee  would  farther  suggest,  in  Order  to  prevent  a  List 
of  Abatements  of  Taxes  appearing  yearly  in  the  Treasurer's 
Accounts,  that  the  Assessors  be  directed,  immediately  after  they 
have  taken  Accounts  in  March  of  the  Polls  &  Rateable  Estates,  & 
have  estimated  the  same  in  order  for  an  Assessment  to  serve  the 
Inhabitants  with  an  Account  of  what  they  are  to  be  rated  for,  & 
at  what  the  same  is  valued ;  this  will  give  Opportunity  for  each 
Person,  if  overvalued,  to  apply  to  the  Assessors  before  the  Tax 
comes  out,  &  when  the  Abatements  are  made  in  the  Valuations, 
&  the  Tax  is  compleated,  that  the  Assessors  assert  in  the  Tax  Bill, 
how  much  in  the  Pound  is  rated ;  &  the  List  of  all  the  rateable 
Estates  of  any  Person,  be  left  with  the  Selectmen,  or  Town  Treas- 
urer, &  upon  for  the  Inspection  of  every  one 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted 
By  Order  of  the  Committee 
Joseph  Barrel,  Chairman 

N.B.  Besides  the  foregoing  Charge  of  £2500 Charges  of 

Salary  Men  for  the  present  Year,  it  has  been  usual  for  the  Select- 
men's -  -  Draughts  for  other  contingent  Charges  to  amount  to 
£2000  —  which  ought  to  be  added  to  the  present  Years  Expence, 
as  it  will  be  called  for  &  will  make  the  Town's  Debt  near  Eightee)i 
Thousand  Pounds. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read,  &  after  considerable  Debate  had 
thereon 

Voted,  that  the  Town  Treasurer  be  directed  to  collect  from  the 
several  Debtors  to  the  Town,  whatever  Sums  of  Money  may  be 
due  from  them  respectively. 

Voted,  that  the  Representatives  of  this  Town,  be,  &  they  here- 
by are  instructed,  to  use  their  Influence  in  the  Gen^  Assembly  of 
this  State,  that  a  new  Valuation  be  taken. 

[87.]  Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  of  the  Report  of 
the  Comittee  on  the  State  of  the  Treasury,  be  referred  to  next 
Town  Meeting,  &  all  other  Matters  not  acted  upon  in  this 
Meeting 

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  one  Overseer  of  the  Poor, 
in  the  Room  of  M'.  Barrel,  who  declines  accepting  that  Trust ; 
and  upon  sorting  the  Votes,  it  appeared,  that 

M^  Peter  Boyer 
was  unanimously  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor  for  the  remainder 
of  the  Year. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved,  and  it  was  accordingly 
dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  and  legally  warned,  in  public 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  Thursday,  the  6'*".  day 
of  February,  A.D.  1777.  10  O'Clock  Forenoon 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read 


260  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator,  and 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M''.  Jonathan  Mason 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  — 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "To  consider  &  determine 
upon  the  most  elfectual  Measures  to  have  the  Act  of  the  General 
Court  to  prevent  Monopolies  &  Oppression,  &  for  regulating  the 
Prices  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life  &  sundry  Goods,  strictly  com- 
plied with,  not  only  from  the  Laws  &  Authority  of  this  State,  but 
as  absolutely  necessary  for  the  effectual  Security  of  the  essential 
Rights  &  Liberties  of  Aynerica"  was  read  &  considered  —  where- 
upon a  Motion  was  made  —  That  a  Comittee  of  Thirty  Six  Persons 
be  chosen  out  of  the  several  Wards,  of  such  as  are  not  in  Trade, 
to  aid  &  assist  the  Selectmen,  &  Coinittees  of  Correspondence, 
Inspection  &  Safety,  by  Information,  or  other  legal  Ways,  in 
carrying  into  Execution  the  late  Act  to  prevent  Monopolies, 
[88.]  &c.  agreable  to  the  true  Intent  &  Meaning  of  said  Act 
—  and  the  Question  being  put  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative.  —  also 
Voted,  that  M'.  Ezekiel Price 

M''.  Joseph  Russell 

M^  Samuel  Barret 

M^  Thomas  Walley 

M"".  John  Ballard 
be  a  Comittee  to  consider  &  report,  at  3  O'Clock  P.M.  for  the 
Acceptance  of  the  Town,  a  Number  of  suitable  Persons  for  the 

aforesaid  Committee. 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  afternoon 

3  o'clock  P  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 
The  Coinittee  to  report  the  Names  of  three  Persons  in  the  sev- 
eral Wards,  to  serve  on  the  foregoing  Coinittee  - —  Reported  accord- 
ingly—  Whereupon, 

Voted,  that  (  Capt.  Thomas  Adams 
Wai-ds  ISr°,  1.  <  John  R.  Sigoney 
(  M^  Samuel  Burril 
(  Mess''^  Gyles  Harris 

2.  <  Elias  Parkman 
(^  William  Page 

I  Mess".  Joshua  Pico 

3.  <  Thomas  Kimble 
i               Thomas  Christie 

J  Mess".  Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

4.  I  John  Prince 
Mess".  George  B.  Gedney 

5.  -l  Thomas  Sherburne  Jun''. 
Oliver  Greenleaff 

Mess".  Joseph  Hall 

Will"".  Frobisher 
Samuel  Sloan 
[89.]     Wards  N".    7.  (  Mess".  Isaac  Peirce 

Joseph  Callender 
Ephraim  Copeland 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  261 

!Mess".  Jeremiah  Belknap 
Nathaniel  Noyes 
Russel  Sturgis 
Mess".  William  Sutton 
9.  -l  Samuel  Bass 

Francis  Archibald 
Mess".  Thomas  Uran 

10.  ^  Job  Wheelwright 
Benj".  Cudwoi'th  Sen'. 

Mess".  Obadiah  Curtis 

11.  -j  James  Tompson (Distiller) 

William  Fallas 

Mess".  Capt  Benjamin  Cobb 

12.  ^  John  Bradford  jun'. 
(  William  Lowder 

be  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Comittee,  to  aid  &  assist  the  Select- 
men &  Coinittee  of  Correspondence  &c.  by  Information,  or  other 
legal  Ways,  in  carrying  into  Execution  the  late  Act  of  this  State 
to  prevent  Monoplies  &c.  agreable  to  the  true  Intent  &  meaning 

thereof 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  unanimously,  that  a  Coinittee  be  now 
chosen,  to  consider  &  report,  at  the  Adjournment,  what  they  judge 
necessary  for  the  Town  to  do,  in  order  to  obtain  a  sufficient  Sup- 
ply of  Provisions  of  all  Kinds,  &  to  promote  the  salutary  Inten- 
sions of  the  late  Act,  to  prevent  Monoplies,  &c. 
Voted  that  Mess".  John  Ballard 

Thomas  Walley 

Edward  Green 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 

Nathaniel  Appleton 

Joseph  Russell 

John  Sweetser 
[90.]  Be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose 
aforesaid 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next,  10 
O'clock  A.M. 

Wednesday  February  12*.  1777,  10  O'Clock  Forenoon 

Met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Coinittee  "  To  consider  what  they  judge  necessary  for  the 
Town  to  do,  in  Order  to  obtain  a  sufficient  vSupply  of  Provisions 
of  all  Kinds,  &  to  promote  the  salutary  Intention  of  the  late  Act 
to  prevent  Monoplies,  &c. — Reported — and  said  Report  having 
been  read  —  Voted,  that  the  Paragraph  in  said  Report  which  re- 
lates to  the  procuring  Flour  for  the  Town,  be  recommitted  — 
Voted,  that  M^  Edward  Payne,  Deacon  Davis  &  M^  Samuel 
Barret  be  added  to  the  above  Committee. 

Adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

3  o'clock  P.M.  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment 
The  Coinittee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Paragraph  relative  to 
Flour,  — Reported  —  And  after  the  same  was  read  and  considered, 
Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  the 
Adjournment.  — — 


262  City  Document  No.  91. 

Moved,  that  a  Comittee  be  appointed,  to  make  Enquiry,  &  as- 
certain, as  near  as  may  be,  the  Quantity  of  Flvjur  now  in  Town  & 
what  is  expected  soon  by  Water ;  as  also  to  confer  with  some  Mer- 
chants relative  to  the  Terms  on  which  they  will  import  Provisions 
abroad  for  the  use  of  the  Inhabitants — to  report  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment—  And  the  Question  being  put  —  Passed  in  the  Affirma- 
tive   

Voted,  that  John  Ballard 

Thomas  Walley 

Edward  Green 

Benj''.  Kent  Esq. 

Nathan'.  Appleton  Esq. 

Joseph  Russell 

John  Sweetser 

Edward  Payne 
[91.]  Deacon  Davis 

Samuel  Barnet  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid. 


The  Report  of  the  Committee  relative  to  Monoplies,  &c.  was 
read  &  passed,  Paragraph  by  Paragraph,  &  is  as  follows,  Viz'. 

The  Committee  appointed  on  Thursday  the  6"*.  current,  to  con- 
sider what  they  judge  necessary  for  the  Town  to  do,  in  order  to 
obtain  a  sufficient  Supply  of  Provisions  of  all  Kinds,  &  to  pro- 
mote the  salutary  Intention  of  the  late  Act  to  prevent  Monoplies 
&c.  beg  leave  to  report 

That  upon  the  strictest  Enquiry  we  find,  that  the  present  great 
Scarcity  of  Provisions  in  the  Town,  arises  principally  from  a  Num- 
ner  of  Engrossers,  who  have  monoplized  great  Quantities  of  Rum, 
Sugar,  Molasses,  Cotton- Wool,  Coffee,  Cocoa,  &c.  &  most  Kinds 
of  Cloathing,  &  now  refuse  to  sell  (as  your  Coihittee  are  informed) 
at  the  Prices  affixt  by  the  late  Act  of  the  General  Court,  by  which 
means  the  People  from  the  Country  complain  that  they  cannot  get 
a  necessary  Supply  of  those  Articles. 

We  would  not  be  understood  to  charge  all  Traders  in  Town  with 
acting  so  base  a  Part,  as  several  worthy  Inhabitants  in  Trade  are 
selling  their  Articles  agreeable  to  the  Prices  stipulated  in  the  late 
Act ;  &,  we  have  no  Doubt,  if  others  in  Trade  would  follow  their 
laudable  Example,  &  the  Stores  in  General  were  open,  &  Goods 
sold  agreeable  to  said  Prices,  we  should  soon  have  as  full  a  Sup- 
ply of  Provisions  from  the  Country,  as  is  usual  at  this  Season  of 
the  Year. 

It  is  therefore  most  earnestly  recommended  to  all  the  Inhabitants 
of  this  Town,  that  have  any  Articles  more  then  they  want  for  their 
Consumption,  that  they  would  immediately  comply  with  the  Act, 
by  selling  them  agreeable  to  the  Prices  fixt  therein,  as  they  request 
the  Peace  of  the  Town,  the  Distresses  of  the  poor,  fixing  our  Medium 
to  a  certain  Value,  &  strengthening  the  Hands  of  Government,  at 
this  Critical  &  Iin2)ortant  Day. 

[93.]  Your  Comittee  likewise  of  Opinion,  that  it  would  be 
proper  for  the  Town  to  encourage  a  Number  of  Fishermen  in  Ad- 
dition to  those  already  in  that  Business,  that  the  Town  may  be 
more  fully  supplied  with  Fresh  Fish 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  263 

"We  beg  leave  farther  to  recommend  to  the  Town,  that  the  Comittee 
of  Correspondence  be  desired  to  write  to  the  Committees  of  Corre- 
spondence in  the  neighbouring  Towns,  informing  them  of  what 
this  Town  has  done,  &  desiring  them  to  use  their  Endeavors, 
to  prevent  any  Misunderstanding  by  false  Reports  spread  by  the 
Tory  Party,  &  to  assure  them,  that  the  Inhabitants  will  exert  them- 
selves to  the  utmost,  that  the  People  in  the  Country  Towns  shall 
be  supplied  with  Articles,  agreable  to  the  Prices  afflxt  in  the  late 
Act  of  this  State  for  preventing  Monopolies,  &c. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Fryday  next,  3  O'Clock 
P.  M. 

Fryday  the  14*  of  February,  3  O'Clock  P.  M.  Met  according  to 
Adjournment 

The  Comittee  appointed  "  to  make  Enquiry,  and  to  ascertain  as 
near  as  may  be,  the  Quantity. of  Flour  now  in  Town  &  what  is  ex- 
pected soon  by  Water ;  as  also  to  confer  with  some  Merchants 
relative  to  the  Terms,  on  which  they  will  import  Flour  from  abroad, 
for  the  Use  of  the  Inhabitants  " — Report, — That  on  the  strictest 
Imquiry  &  fullest  Information,  they  find  in  the  Posession  of  Col: 
Doane  between  two  &  three  hundred  Barrels  —  of  M'.  Thomas 
Boylstou  two  hundred  —  &  of  the  several  Bakers  upwards  of  an 
hundi'ed,  the  whole  Quantity  not  exceeding  Six  Hundred 

That  they  have  the  pleasure  to  be  infoi-med,  that  several  Gen- 
tlemen have  ordered,  &  expect  the  several  Quantities  hereafter 
mentioned  — Viz'. 

M^  William  Foster 700  bbls 

Cap  Hains 600 

M^  Smith -     -     -  400 

[93.]  Capt  Prince 600  bbls 

Mess^  Pitts  &  Call      -----  500 

M^  Winthi-op 900  making 

in  the  whole  Three  Thousand  Seven  Hundred 

That  M'.  Powell  has  assured  them,  that  he  will  send  a  Vessel, 
which  he  has  ready,  for  six  hundred  bbls,  as  soon  as  he  can  be 
advised  of  the  Withdraw  of  certain  British  Ships  of  War ;  now 
infesting  the  River  &  Capes  of  Delaware.  —  That  M^  Jepson 
has  engaged  to  send  for  Six  Hundred  &  Fifty.  — These,  with  what 
are  now  on  hand,  will  amount  to  five  thousand  nine  hundred  Bar- 
rels. 

Your  Coinittee  farther  report,  that  upon  freely  conversing  with 
several  Importers  of  that  Article,  it  is  their  Opinion  that  Gen- 
tlemen may  be  found,  who  will  undertake  to  import  for  the  Use  of 
the  Inhabitants,  the  whole  Quantity  which  may  be  necessary  to 
make  up  the  Deficiency  arising  from  Captures  of  those  expected, 
&  the  Inadiquacy  of  the  Supply  (should  even  the  whole  already 
ordered  arrive)  on  being  assured  of  a  reasonable  Profit  on  the 
same. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered  —  and  the 
Question  being  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted  — ■ 
Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

M^  Lindal   Pitts  attended  by  Desire  of  the  Inhabitants,  and 


264  City  Document  No.  91. 

gave  the  Town  Satisfaction,  as  to  the  Quantity  of  Flour  by  him 

imported  &  what  remained  unsold  

M^  Boylston  attended,  &  informed  the  Town  that  he  did  not 
know  but  he  might  have  near  300  Barrels  of  Flom'  at  this  Market 
Voted,  that  Mess'.  John  Ballard 

Thomas  Walley 
Edward  Green 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Nathaniel  Appleton  Esq. 
M^  Joseph  Russell 
M''.  John  Sweetser 
M^  Edward  Payne 
[94.]  Caleb  Davis  Esq. 

Samuel  Barrett  Esq 
be  a  Coiiiittee  to  confer  with  the  Importers  of  Flour  relative  to  the 
Terms,  on  which  they  will  import  a  Quantity  of  that  Article,  for 

the  Use  of  the  Inhabitants,  &  to  report  at  the  Adjournment. 

Adjoui-ned  to  Monday  next  the  17"*.  of  February,  10  O'Clock 

Forenoon. 

The  Coihittee  appointed  on  the  14*.  Instant,  To  confer  with  the 
Importers  of  Flour,  relative  to  the  Terms  on  which  they  will 
import  a  Quantity  of  that  Article  for  the  Use  of  the  Inhabitants 

—  Reported  &  after  considerable  Debate  had  thereon, —  A  motion 
was  made,  &  the  Question  accordingly  put  —  'J'hat  said  Report  be 
withdrawn  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

On  a  Motion  made  —  Voted,  that  a  Coiiiittee  be  appointed  to 
apply  to  all  those  Persons  in  this  Town,  who  are  possessed  of 
Flour,  West  India,  or  other  Goods,  enumerated  in  the  Act  against 
Monopoly  &  Oppression,  &  require  of  them  a  direct  Answer  to 
the  following  Question —  Will  ym  take  the  Price  set  by  thi-i  Stated 

—  And  report  the  Names  &  Answers  of  said  Persons,  that  the 
same  may  be  made  Public  in  the  News  Papers  —  to  shew  the 
Readiness  of  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  to  comply  with  said 
Acts  —  Also 

Voted,  that  the  Coiiiittee  appointed  for  the  several  Wards  to 
aid  the  Selectmen  &  Coiiiittee  of  Correspondence,  Inspection  & 
Safety,  by  Information  or  other  legal  Ways,  be  a  Coihittee  for  the 
Purpose  aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

3  o'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 
On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  a  Coihittee  be   appointed   to 
consider  &  report  what   they  judge   will   be   the    most   suitable 
Methods  to  obtain  a  Supply  of  Provisions  for  the  Inhabitants  of 
this  Town 

Voted,  that  Mess".  Shubael  Hewes 
M^  John  Ballard 
[95.]  Capt  Dalton 

Plenry  Williams 
Josiah  Torrey 
Joseph  Greenleaff  Esq. 
M^  Adam  Colson 
be  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid. • 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776.  265 

On  a  Motion  made,  the  Question  was  put,  Viz'.  —  Whether  the 
Town  will  encourage  such  Inhabitants  with  their  Custom,  as  shall 
set  up  Butchers  Stalls  in  this  Town,  for  the  Supply  of  the  Inhabi- 
tants with  Provisions  — Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  the 
19'".  Instant.  3  o'Clock  P.M. 

3  O'clock,  February  19"*.  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment 

Coinittee  appointed  to  make  Enquiry  of  the  Merchants  & 
Traders  in  the  several  Wards — "Whether  they  will  take  the 
Price  set  by  this  State  on  their  Goods  "  ?  —  Reported,  all  but  the 
Coinittee  for  Ward  N°.  2 — which  Reports  were  accepted  by  the 
Town 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
be  desired  to  acquaint  the  Attorney  General  of  this  State,  That  it 
is  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  he  would  give  Information  to  the 
Grand  Jury  now  sitting,  of  all  Persons  that  act  in  Violation  of  the 
Law  to  prevent  Monopolies  &c  as  they  shall  come  to  his  Knowl- 
edge.   

Voted,  that  M"^.  Harbottle  Dorr  be  added  to  the  Coinittee  for 
Ward  N".  2.  to  make  Enquiry  &c 

Voted,  that  M"^.  Jonathan  Brown  be  of  the  Committee  for  Ward 
N°.  1.  in  the  Room  of  Capt  Thomas  Adams,  who  declines. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  let 
such  Persons  occupy  Gratis,  'till  the  farther  Order  of  the  Town, 
the  Stalls  in  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  &  such  only  as  are  not  Foi'e- 
stallers,  &  will  bring  in  their  Provisions,  &  dispose  of  them  to  the 
Inhabitants  in  larger,  or  smaller  Quantities,  [90.]  Agreable  to 
the  true  Intent  &  Meaning  of  the  late  Act  to  prevent  Monopoly  & 
Oppression. 

Voted,  that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  be  desired  not  to  go 
beyond  the  Hay  Market  to  purchase  Fuel,  or  Provisions,  as  they 
would  regard  the  Interest  of  the  Town  in  general,  &  avoid  the 
Displeasure  of  their  Fellow  Citizens 

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  consider  &  report  what  they  shall 
judge  to  be  the  most  suitable  Methods  to  obtain  a  Supply  of  Pro- 
visions for  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  —  Reported  —  and  had 
to  withdraw  this  Report 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  &  hereby  are  given  to 
M^  Jonathan  Mason,  the  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  his  good 
Services.  

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House,  December 
4"\  1776 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting read- 

Upon  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  to  come  to  the  Choice  of  a  Mode- 
rator by  a  Hand  Vote. 


266  City  Document  No.  91. 

M'.  Jonathan  Mason  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  not  be- 
ing able  to  attend. 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 

was  chosen  Moderator  of  the  Meeting. 

Samuel  Barret  Esq. 
was  chosen,  unanimously,  an  Overseer  of  the  Poor,  in  the  Room 

of  M"".  Peter  Boyer,  who  declined  serving. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrent,  Viz*.  "  To  consider  &  determine. 
Whether  a  Petition  shall   be   presented  to  the  Great  &  General 
Court  of  this  State,  praying  that  this  Town  may  be  [97.]  En- 
abled to  raise  immediately,  what  shall  be  judged  &  determined  by 
the  Hon'''^.  Court,  to  be  their  full  Quota,  or  Proportion  of  the  Num- 
ber of  Men,  this  State  is  to  raise,  for  the  Continental  Army,  act 
cordingly  to  a  Resolve  of  the  Hon'''^.  the  Continental  Congress, 
instead  of  draughting  a  Part  of  their  Militia,  as  ordered  by  a  late 
Act"  —  was  read  &  Considered  —  Whereupon 
Voted,  that  Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Samuel  Barret  Esq. 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 
M^  Joseph  Barret 
M^  Ellis  Gray 
M^  Ebenezer  Dorr 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
be  a  Comittee  to  draught  a  Petition  to  the  General  Court,  for  the 

Purpose  aforesaid  to  be  reported  at  the  Adjournment. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  To-morrow  10  o'Clock 
A.M.  to  meet  at  Faneuil  Hall. 

Thursday  the  5"*.  day  of  December  1776,  10  o'Clock  A.M.  met 

at  Faneuil  Hall  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Coiiiittee  appointed  to  draught  a  Petition  to  the  General 
Court  —  Reported  the  following  Draught,  Viz', 
State  of  Massachusetts'  Bay, 

To  the  Hon'''^  the  Coun- 
cil &  House  House  of 
Representatives  of  said 
State,  in  General  Court 

assembled. 

The  Petition  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
Humbly  sheweth, 

That  by  a  late  Act  of  this  State,  one  fourth  Part  of  all  the  able 
Bodied  Men  of  the  Militia  is  to  be  raised  by  Inlistmen,  Lot,  or 
Draught,  &  to  remain  in  the  Service  three  Months  only,  from  the 

Time  of  their  Mustering. 

That  your  Petitioners  always  have  been,  &  even  now,  [98.] 
Altho'  so  peculiarly  reduced  by  the  present  War,  are  ready  to  eon- 
tribute  their  ft dl  Proportion  of  Aid  &  Assistance  in  every  respect, 
especially  for  the  carrying  on  &  supporting  the  present  Contest. 

But  your  Petitioners  beg  leave  to  represent  to  your  Honors,  that 
they  have  good  Reason  to  apprehend,  they  could  raise  such  a  Num- 
ber of  Men,  to  serve  for  three  Years,  or  during  the  War,  as  would 
be  their  full  Quota  or  Proportion  of  the  whole  Number  assigned 


Boston  Town  Records,  1776-77.  267 

for  this  State  by  the  Hon'''®.  Continental  Congress;  &  that  they 
can  effect  the  same,  near,  or  quite  as  soon,  as  the  time  in  which 
they  will  be  able  to  procure  the  Men,  who  are  to  serve  only  for 
three  Months 

Your  Petitioners  are  led  to  this  Step,  not  only  from  the  Appre- 
hension they  have  of  being  able  to  effect  the  same,  but  in  Order 
to  save  very  large  Sums,  that  must  Necessarily  be  expended  to 
raise  Men  for  three  Months  only,  a  Term  scarcely  sufficient  to  ar- 
rive even  at  the  Seat  of  War ;  &  certainly  too  Short,  to  acquire 
any  Military  Knowledge,  though  long  enough  to  suffer  many  of 
the  ill-Conveniencies  of  the  Campaign  ;  to  notliing  of  the  Advan- 
tages the  Soldier  has,  who  has  seen  Service,  over  the  new  Recruits 
—  That  he  is  seasoned  to  the  Difficulties,  &  gets  a  Relish  for  that 
Way  of  Life,  &  is  not  exposed  to  the  Disorders  of  a  Camp,  — 
whereas  frequent  Draughts,  tho'  for  a  short  time,  take  our  Men 
from  their  necessary  Occupation,  &  give  them  a  Habit  of  Idleness, 
which  cannot  fail  of  being  very  prejudicial  to  the  State  at  large, 
&  must  be  extremely  distressing  to  all,  &  ruinous  to  many  of  their 
Families,  whose  Heads  are  called  from  them  by  Lot,  or  taken  by 
the  more  disagreable  Alternative  of  Draught. 

Your  Petitioners  therefore  pray  your  Honors  to  give  Orders, 
that  this  Town  may  raise  its  just  Quota  of  the  Levies  assigned,  in 
the  Way  they  now  propose  :  But  in  Case  they  cannot  procure  the 
whole  in  this  way,  the  aforesaid  Act  may  stand  in  force,  as  to 
any  Deficiency,  until  the  whole  is  compleated 

And  your  Petitioners  as  in  Duty  bound  &c 

[99.]  The  foregoing  Petition  having  been  read  and  con- 
sidered   

Voted,  that  the  same  be  accepted,  &  that  a  fair  Draughts  of 
the  Petition  be  taken ;  &  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be 
desired  to  sign  &  present  the  same  to  the  General  Court  in  behalf 
of  this  Town. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  next, 
10  o'clock  Forenoon,  at  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House. 

Met    according    to   Adjournment,    Monday   the   9"".    day    of 

December,  10  o'Clock  Forenoon,  Old  Brick  Meeting  House. 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq',  in  the  Chair 

After  considerable  Time  spent  in  Debates,  on  a  Motion 
made 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved  —  and  it  was  accordingly 
dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned,  in  public 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Wednesday  the  5*'\ 
day  of  March  Anno  Domini  1777. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing   _ 

The  Comittee  appointed  by  the  Town,  the  5"*.  of  March  last,  to 


268  City  Document  No.  91. 

apply  to  a  proper  G-entleman  to  deliver  an  Oration,  the  5"*.  of 
March  Instant,  to  perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  horrid  Massacre 
perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  fifth  of  March  1770,  by  a  Party 
of  Soldiers  under  the  Command  of  Capt  Thomas  Preston  of  the 
29*.  Regiment  —  Reported 

[100.]  "That  having  met  together  several  Times  for  the 
Purpose  mentioned  in  the  I'own  Vote,  they  had  unanimously  made 
Choice  of  Benjamin  Hitchburne  Esq.  to  deliver  an  Oration  the  fifth 
of  March  Instant,  who  had  accordingly  accepted  of  that  Service." 

The  above  Report  having  been  made  by  the  Chairman  of  the 
Coiiiittee,  the  Question  was  put  —  Whether  the  same  shall  be 
accepted? — Passed  in  the  AflSrmative. 

Upon  a  Motion  made,  the  Town  took  into  Consideration,  what 
would  be  the  best  Time  to  have  the  Oration  pronounced,  as  also 
what  Place  would  be  most,  suitable  for  the  Purpose  —  Whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Oration  be  delivered  at  12  o'Clock  at  the  Old 
Brick  Meeting  House,  the  Hall  not  being  capacious  enough  to 
receive  the  Inhabitants,  that  attended  upon  the  Occasion,  the 
Coiuittee  of  that  Society,  having,  upon  Application,  consented  that 

the  Meeting  House  should  be  made  use  of  for  this  Purpose. 

Voted,  that  John  Brown  Esq. 

Nathaniel  Barber  Esq. 
John  Pitts  Esq. 
be   a    Committee   to   wait   upon    Benjamin   Hitchburne   Esq.    & 
acquaint  him,  that  it  is  the  Desire  of  the  Town,  that  the  Oration 
may  be  delivered  at  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House,   12  o'Clock 
Forenoon 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Old  Brick  Meet- 
ing House,  12  O'clock  Forenoon 


The  Town  met  accordingly  to  Adjournment  at  the  Old  Brick 
Meeting  House,  Twelve  O'Clock. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  wait  upon  Benjamin  Hitchburne 
Esq.  to  acquaint  him  with  the  Vote  of  the  Town,  respecting  the 
Time  &  Place  for  the  Delivery  of  an  Oration —  Reported  [101.] 
' '  That  said  Gentleman  was  ready  to  comply  with  the  Orders  of 
the  Town." 

Alt  Ondion  to  commemorate  the  horrid  Massacre  of  the  Fifth  of 
March  1770,  &  to  impress  upon  the  Minds  of  the  Citizens  the  ruinous 
Tendency  of  standing  Armies  being  placed  in  free  &  populous  Cities 
«fec.  was    deliver'd  by  Benjamin  Hitchburne    Esq,  to  a  large  & 

crowded  Audience,  and  received  by  them  with  great  Applause. 

Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded. 

Voted  unanimously  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby 
are  given  to  Benjamin  Hitchburne  Esq.  for  the  spirited  Oration, 
delivered  by  him,  at  their  Request  in  Commemoration  of  the  hoi-- 
rid  Massacre  perpetrated  on  the  Evening  of  the  5*.  of  March  1770, 
by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of  the  29"\  Regiment,  under  the  Command 
of  Capt  Thomas  Preston  Also, 

Voted,  that  Jonathan  Williams  Esq 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  209 

M^  Ellis  Gray 

Johu  Brown  P^sq 

Hon'"'".  Thomas  Cusliing  Esq 

Col:   Henry  Jackson 

M'.  Hermon  Brimmer 

W.  William  Cooper 
be  a  Committee  to  wait  upon  Benjamin  Ilitchburne  Esqr,  &  in 
the  Name  of  the  Town  to  request  of  him  a  Copy  of  the  said  Ora- 
tion for  the  Press. 

Oa  a  Motion  made  &  seconded, 

\'oted  that  Jonathan  V^illiams  Esq. 

M''.  Ellis  Gray 

John  Brown  Esq 

Hon'''".  Tho\  Cushing  Esq. 

Col:   Henry  Jackson 

M\  Ilermon  Brimmer 

M''.  William  Cooper 
[102.]  Benjamin  Hitehb;>rne  Esq. 

be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  a  proper 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  5"\  of  March  next,  to 
perpetuate  the  Memory  of  the  horrid  Massacre,  perpetrated  on  the 
Evening  of  the  5'''.  of  March  1770,  by  a  Party  of  Soldiers  of  the 
29''''.  Regiment,  under  the  Command  of  Capt  Thomas  Preston : 
And  t:>  impress  upon  our  Minds  the  ruinous  Tendency  of  standing 
Armies  being  placed  in  free  &  populous  Cities  in  a  Time  of 
Peace ;  &  the  Necessity  of  such  noble  Exertions  in  all  future 
Times,  as  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  then  made,  whereby  the 
Designs  of  the  Conspirators  against  the  public  Peace  may  be  still 

frustrated.  

A  (  ollection  was  made  at  this  Meeting  for  M"".  Christopher 
Monk,  a  young  Man  now  languishing  under  a  Wound  by  a  Shot 
received  in  his  Lungs  by  a  Shot  from  Preston's  bloody  Party  of 
Soldiers  on  the  5"\  of  March  1770  —  This  Collection  amounted  to 
Voted,  that  the  Thanl^s  of  the  Town  be,  &  hereby  are  given  to 
Jonathan  Williams  P2sq,  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  for  his  good 
Services. 

Then  the  Meetins;  was  dissolved. 


At  a  ]\Ieeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  the  10"'  day  of  March,  Anno 
Domini  1777,  I)  o'Clock  Forenoon. 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Reverend  D"".  Eliot. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read.  — 

Sundry  Laws  enjoined  to  be  read  at  this  Meeting  were  accord- 
ingly read 

The  Hon'*'''  Thomas  Cushing  Esq  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting  by  a  majority  of  Votes,  &  took  his  Seat  accordingly 

M^  William  Cooper  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  tlie  Year  ensu- 
ing by  a  Majority  of  Votes,  &  took  his  Place  accordingly. 


270  City  Document  No.  91. 

[103,]  The  Town  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  nine  Selectmen 
&  the  Votes  being  brouglit  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

M".  Samuel  Austin 

Oliver  Wendell  Esq. 

John  Pitts  Esq. 

John  Brown  Esq.      -     -     excused 

M^  Ellis  Gray     -     -     -     excused 

Capt  Gustavus  Fellows 

]Vr.  Harbottle  Dorr 

James  Bowdoin  jun""      -     excused 
"W^ere  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Adjourned  to  3  o'Clock  P.M. 

3  o'clock  P.M.  Met  according  to  Adjournment 


The  Inhabitants  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  a  Selectman  in  the 
Room  of  M''.  Bowdoin,  who  declined  serving,  &  upon  sorting  the 
Votes  it  appeared  that  Nathaniel  Appleton  Esq  was  chosen  —  Upon 
his  also  declining  to  serve  the  Town  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  one  in 
the  Room  of  M^  Appleton,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

M''.  Thomas  Greenough 

was  chosen  a  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
&  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

The  hon•^'^  William  Phillips  Esq. 

Isaac  Smith  Esq. 

M"".  Jonathan  Mason 

Capt  Sam'.  Partridge 

M'.  Sam'.  Whitwell 

M^  John  White 

Edward  Procter  Esq. 

Will"\  Powell  Esq. 

M''.  John  Sweetser  jun''. 

M^  Edward  Payne 
104.]  Samuel  Barret  Esq. 

M^  Samuel  Hewes 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Inhabitants  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  a  CoTiiittee  of  Corre- 
spondence Inspection  &  Safety,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared, 
that 

Col.  Nathaniel  Barber 

M^  John  Winthrop 

William  Makay 

Edward  Procter  Esq. 

Benj^.  Hitchburne  Esq. 

Perez  Morton  Esq. 

Capt  John  Simkins 

M'.  Moses  Grant 

Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

M^  Ebenezer  Dorr 

M^  Benj\  Burt 

D'.  Peter  Roberts 


Boston  Town  Kecords,   1777.  271 

M^  Henry  Bass 

M^  WilP\  Davis 

Capt  Amasa  Davis 

M^  Hermon  Brimmer 
were  chosen  a  Comittee  of  Correspondence  Inspection  &  Safety 

for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Town  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  Sixteen  Fire  Wards,  &  upon 
Sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

John  Scollay  Esq. 

Newman  Greenough  Esq. 

JVr.  William  Cooper 

Edward  Procter  Esq. 

Caleb  Davis  Esq. 

Major  Andi-ew  8ymins 

Capt.  Joseph  Webb 
[105.]  M^  John  Winthrop 

Francis  Shaw  Esq. 

Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 

Ebenezer  Hancock  Esq. 

Paul  Reviere  Esq. 

M''.  Thomas  Tileston 

Capt  John  Pulling 

Capt  Gustavus  Fellows 

Capt  John  Ballard 

were  chosen  Fire  Wards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Adjourned  to  the  next  Day  10  o'Clock  forenoon 

Tuesday  10  'Clock  forenoon  met  according  to  Adjournment.  — -™ 
Upon  a  Motion  made  &  seconded,  the  Question  was  put  —  Wheth- 
er Collectors  of  Taxes  shall  be  chose  seperate  from  Constables  — 
Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Five  Pounds  be   remitted  out  of  the 
Ten  Pounds,  Fine,  to  those  persons  who  shall  be  chose  into  the 

Office  of  Constable  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Votes  for  twelve  Constables  bro't  in,  the  persons  chosen  into  the 
Office  are 

Mess'.  John  Wells 

Tho^  Stevinson 

Joseph  Helyer  -------  excused 

George  Thomas 

Thomas  Bradford  ------  excused 

Joseph  Foye 
John  Russel 
Sam'.  Greenleaff 
Benjamin  Clark 
John  C  overly 
John  Bennet 
Matthew  Wakefield 
John  Bartlet 
[106.]       Mess\  William  Crafts 

John  Lambert  jun'. 
Nathaniel  Wales 


272  City  Document  No.  91. 

Stephen  Wales 

Nathan  Hancock 

were  cnose  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess'.  Clement  Collins 

Abraham  Howard 

Andrew  Symms 

Joseph  Buttler 

Benj".  Page 

Joseph  Ford 

John  Rogers 

Thomas  Uran 

Edward  Ranger 

John  Ikilflneh  juu  . 

Joseph  Ballai'd 

James  Blake 

John  Lambert  jutf. 

Nathan  Hancock 

Ebenezer  Flood 

John  Charapney 
were  chose  Surveyors  of  i^oards  for  the  Year  ensuing 

M^  Henry  Blaisdel 
was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Boards  for  the  Year  ensuing. ■ 

Benjamin  Austin  Esq. 
was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Hemp  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess'.  Samuel  Bangs 

Jacob  Holland 

Benjamin  Bass 

Nathan  Green 
were  chose  Sealers  of  Leather  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

[10'7.]  M^AdamColson 

was  chosen  an  Informer  of  Daer  for  the  Year  ensuing. 
Mess'.  John  Owen 

Peter  Cotta 

Manaasseh  Masters 

Benj".  Bernard 

Edward  Cowell 

Israel  Cook 

Richard  Flood 

Samuel  Prichard 

Benjamin  Sault 

Jacob  Williams 

Joshua  Pico 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Staves  &  Hoops  for  the  year  ensuing 
Mess'.  John  Wears 

Elijah  Searl 

Wiil"'.  ALFadden 
were  chose  Hogreeves  for  the  Year  ensuing 

M'.  George  Hamlin 

was  chosen  a  Hayward  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess'.  Jonathan  Farnum  Ward  N".     I 

William  Williams  2 

John  Harris  '    3 


Boston  Towx  Records,  1777.  273 

Joseph  Butler  4 

Joaathaa  Stoddard  5 

John  Rogers  6 

Edw^ard  Lad  Saunders  7 

Thomas  Bradford  8 

Thomas  Russel  9 

Samuel  Selben  10 

Philip  Freeman  jun'".  11 

Nathaniel  Cobbet  12 

were  chose  Seavingers  for  the  Year  ensuing 

[108.]  The  Selectmen 

were  chose  Surveyers  of  the  High  Ways  for  the  Year  ensuing 
Mess^  John  White 
John  Lucas 

were  chose  Surveyors  of  Wheat  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
M"".  John  Svveetser 
W.  Timothy  Newell 
were  chose  Purchasers  of  Grain  for  the  Year  ensuing  ;  &  they  are 
desired  &  impowered  to  give  all  needful  Direction  to  the  Keeper 
of  the  Granary    respecting  the  Quantit}'-  of  Grain  to  be  sold,  & 
affixing  the  Price  thereof  from  time  to  time,  as  occasion  shall  re- 
quire ;  &  the  said  Committee  are  desired  &  directed  to  cause  all 
the  Grain  belonging  to  the  Town  to  be  ground  at  the  new  JMills, 

near  the  Mill  Bridge,  lately  occupied  by  M".  Leonard. - 

Mess^  Thomas  Green 
John  Skinner 

were  chose  Assay  Masters  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  that  M"".  Ebenezer  Storer 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
Nathan'.  Appleton  Esq. 
Col.  Thomas  Daws 
M^  Tuttle  Hubbard 
be  &  they  hereby  are  appointed  a  Co  Jiittee  to  audit  the  Accounts 
of  M^  Treasurer  Jeffries,  &  also  the  Accounts  of  the  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  and  the  said  Committee  are  impowered,  when  they  shall 
audit  said  Accounts,  to  allow  such  of  the  Overseers  as  shall  ad- 
vance Money  for  the  Relief  of  the  Poor,  Interest  on  all  such  Sums 
as  shall  be  so  advanced,  until  they  shall  have  audited  said  Ac- 
counts ;  &  they  are  also  desired  to  report  ^'rom  time  to  time,  a 
State  of  the  Treasury  respecting  the  Debts  &  Credits,  &  on  any 

other  Matters  that  they  may  think  proper. 

[109.]  The  Town  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  Two  Selectmen  in 
the  room  of  M'.  Brown  &  .\P.  Gray,  who  declined  serving,  and  upon 
Sorting  the  Votes  it  appeared  that 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq. 
Ca.ot  John  Preston 

were  chose  Selectmen  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Votes  for  a  County  Treasurer,  bro't  in,  &  being  sealed  up  in 
Town  Meeting,  were  delivered  to  M".  Constable  Bennet,  to  be  by 
bim  returned  to  the  Coui't  of  General  Sessions  at  their  next  Meet- 
ing.   


274  City  Document  No.  91. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be,  & 
hereby  are  given  to  M"".  Benjamin  Dolbeai'  for  his  faithful  Services, 

as  an  Overseer  of  the  poor,  for  many  3ears  past. 

The  Inhabitants  brought  in  their  Votes  for  Seven  Assesors,  & 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that 

Deacon  Benjamin  Church 
M"".  Jonathan  Brown 
Capt  Samuel  Downe 
Gyles  Harris  Esq. 
M"'.  William  Lowder 
M'.  George  B.  Gidney 
M"".  Thomas  Foster 

were  chosen  Assessors  for  the  Year  ensuing 

On  a  Motion  made  Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be,  and  hereby  are 
directed,  to  prepare  a  List  of  the  Names  of  such  persons  as  have 
left  the  Town,  with  the  Amount  of  the  Taxes  they  have  usually 

paid. 

Adjourned  to  Fryday  next  3  'Clock  P.M. • 

Fryday  the  14*.  of  March  3  o'Clock  P.M.  Town  met  according 

to  Adjournment. 

Mess^  Nathaniel  Greenough 

Edward  Gray 

Lindal  Pitts 
[110.]  Joseph  Sherburne  jua'. 

Elias  Parkman 

Andrew  Brimmer 

Henry  Prentice 

James  Foster  Condy 

William  Sherburne 

AVilliam  Mollineux 

Nicolas  Bowes 

Capt  Isaac  Cazneau 
were  chose  Clerks  of  the  Market  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Voted,  that  the  Assessors  be,  &  hereby  are  impowered  & 
directed  to  sit  for  Abatement  of  such  Taxes,  as  they  shall  judge 
reasonable,  on  every  Wednesday  until  the  last  Wednesday  in 
April  inclusive,  &  no  longer,  saving  that  they  be  allowed  to  sit 
the  two  last  Weeks  in  November,  for  the  Abatement  of  the  Taxes 
of  such  persons  as  had  not  an  Opportunity  of  applying  in  the 
above  limited  time,  by  reason  of  their  being  out  of  the  Province  ; 
at  which  time  they  are  also  allowed  &  impowered  to  abate  the 
Taxes  of  such  persons  as  may  have  died  insolvent  between  the 

said  last  Wednesday  in  April  &  the  last  Day  of  November. 

Mess^  Thomas  Crafts 

Joshua  Bentle}' 

Joseph  Martin 

William  Fall  ass 
were  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  but  declined 

accepting  &  were  accordingly  excused  by  the  Town. 

Voted,  that  the  Consideration  of  Schoolmasters  Salaries  &  all 
other   Salaries    &   Grants    be    referred  over  to  next  May  Meet- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  275 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  viz'.  "  To  consider  whether  any 
thing  farther  can  be  done  by  the  Town,  to  promote  the  sakitaiy 
Intentions  of  the  late  Act,  To  prevent  Monopoly  &  Oppression," 

was  read  &  considered  —  Whereupon 

[111.]     Voted  that  M^  Ezekiel  Price 

Samuel  Barrett  Esq 
Thomas  Daws  Esq 
M^  Joseph  Barrel 
M^  William  Bant 
M''.  Martin  Brimmer 
be  a  Coinittee  to  consider  said  Article,  and  report  to  the  Town 

at  the  Adjournment. 

The  Clause  in  the  Wai-rant,  viz'.  "  To  consider  what  Steps  are 
necessary  to  prevent  the  Inconveniences  &  Danger  that  may  hap- 
pen from  persons  resorting  to,  or  residing  in  the  Town,  wlio  are 
justly  suspected  of  being  innimical  to  the  American  States  "  — 
was  read  &  Considered  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
M'".  William  Davis 
M^  William  Gooch 
Col  Edward  Procter 
M^  William  Bant 
Capt  John  Ballard 
Francis  Shaw  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  to  consider  the  same,  &  report  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment 

Capt  Edward  Carnes 
was  chosen  Surveyor  of  Hemp,  in  the  Room  of  M''.  Austin,  who 

has  resigned.  

The  Town  bro't  in  their  Votes  for  twelve  Wardens  &  upon  sort- 
ing them  it  appeared,  that 

C.  John  Simpkins 
M^  John  Lowell 
M^  Samuel  Sloan 
Capt  Samuel  Ridgway 
M^  Stephen  Hull 
Capt  Samuel  Payne 
M"".  Adam  Colson 
[113.]  M^  Thomas  Baley 

M^  Moses  Grant 
M^  Thomas  Fleet 
M''.  Henrj^  Bass 
M".  Nathaniel  Barber 

were  chosen  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Adjourned  to  nest  Wednesday  Fortnight  3  'Clock  P.  M. 

3  'Clock  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

On  a  motion  made,  the  Question  was  put,  viz'.  "  Whether  the 
Town  will  reconsider  their  Vote  for  referring  the  Grant  of  Moneys 
to  May  next?  "  —  Passed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  Eight  thousand  five  Hundred  Pounds  be 
raised  by  a  Tax  upon  Polls  &  Estates  within  this  Town  for  the 


276  City  Document  Xo.  'Jl. 

Relief  of  the  Poor,  &  clofiaying  other  necessary  Charges  arising 
Avithin  the  Town  the  ensuing  Year.  — — 

Voteil,  that  the  Sum  of  one  Shilling  &  six  Pence  on  the  Pound 
be,  &.  liereby  is  allowed  to  such  persous  as  shall  be  chose  Collect- 
ors of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing,  for  all  such  Sums  as  they  shall 
collect,  proviiled  they  pay  the  same  into  the  several  Treasuries 
within  four  iMonth?  —  Twelve  pence  on  the  pound  on  all  such  other 
Sums,  as  they  shall  have  paid  nito  said  Treasuries,  within  Eight 
INlonths  ;  &  Sis  Pence  on  the  Ponud  on  the  Ivemainder  of  the 
Sums  they  shall  be  obliged  to  collect,  provided  such  Ixemainder 
shall  be  fully  paid  in,  on  or  before  the  second  Monday  in  March 
1778  —  This  Premium  as  above  expressed,  appears  to  be  just  & 
equitable,  &  an  ample  Allowance  to  the  Collectors  to  encourage 
them  to  discharge  their  Duty  with  Diligence  &  Fidelity  ;  provided 
also  that  eacli  of  said  CollectDrs  give  Bond  with  suflicient  Sureties 
to  the  Satisfaction  of  the  Selectmen  ibr  the  faithful  Discharge  of 
their  Duty  in  said  Office,  &  complying  with  this  Vote. 

The  Coihittee  appointed  "•  To  consider  whether  any  thing  further 
can  be  done  by  the  Town  to  promote  the  salutary  Intentions  of 
the  [11i>,J  Late  Act  to  prevent  Monopoly  &  Oppression"  — 
gave  in  the  following  Report,  which  was  accepted,  Nem:  Cont:  — 
Viz'. 

Whereas  there  are  now  in  this  Town  .".Number  of  Persons  some 
of  whom  have  removed  from  the  Country  hither,  others  whose 
Principles  are  known  to  be  unfriendl'/  to  our  present  Contest  with 
Britons,  &  some,  who  wouLl  sacrifice  the  public  Interest  to  satisfy 
their  Lust  &  Appetites,  are  daily  using  every  Means  in  their 
Power,  not  only  to  frustrate  the  goou  iDtention  of  the  Act  of  this 
State  to  prevent  Monoply  &  Oppression,  but  to  lessen  &  depreciate 
the  Value  of  the  Money  established  by  the  Continental  Congress, 
&  the  several  United  States  in  America  —  that  such  public  P^ne- 
mies  may  be  known,  &  to  avoid  as  much  as  may  be  the  fatal  Conse- 
quences of  the  wicked  Designs  of  those  Persons  —  It  is  —  Resolved 
that  the  Committee  of  Correspondence  Inspection  &  Safety,  be,  & 
hereby  are  desired,  to  use  their  utmost  Endeavors  to  obtain  the 
Names  of  those  Pei'sons,  who  shall  hereafter  be  so  daring,  as  to  be 
guilty  of  the  Breach  of  said  Act,  &  represent  them  in  the  Public 
News  Papers,  as  dangerous  Enemies  to  the  United  States  of 
America,  by  endeavoring  not  only  to  lessen,  but  destroy  the 
Medium  of  Trade,  and  thereby  unavoidably  reduce  the  People  of 
this  State  if  not  the  united  States  to  the  utmost  Misery  &  Dis- 
tress.   

The  Coinittee  appointed  to  consider  what  Steps  are  necessary 
to  prevent  the  Inconveniency  &  Danger  that  may  ha[)pen  from 
Persons  resorting  to,  or  residing  in  the  Town  of  Boston,  who  are 
justly  suspected  of  being //iimicai  to  the  United  States,"  —  Report, 
as  our  unanimous  Opinion,  That  a  Committee  of  Twelve  suitable 
persons  one  in  each  Ward,  be  chosen  to  take  the  Names  of  all 
Persons,  who  have  come  to  i-esido  in  Town,  since  the  19"\  of 
April  1775 — said  Committee  are  also  to  take  the  Names  of  all 
Refugees  &  other  disaffected  Persons  &  to  take  the  Names  of  the 
Towns  &  States,  from  whence  such  persons  come,  who  are  justly 


Boston  Town  Ivecokus,  1777.  277 

suspected  of  being  inimical  to  the  Mtites  of  America;  &  make 
Report  from  time  to  tim^  [114,]  To  the  Committer  of  Corre- 
spondence, Inspection  &  .Safety,  to  be  used  by  them,  as  Occasion 
may  require  ;  —  also,  that  said  Committee  l)e  ilirected,  in  a  Body, 

or  by  theM'ijor  part  of  them,  to  visit  said  Wards. 

IJeujamin  Kent,  Chairman  p   Order 

The  foregomg  Re][)ort  liaving  been  read   &  consi  lereil,  it  was 

Voted,  that  the  i--ame  be  accepted  —  and  tliat 

Mess^  doshtia  iJentley       .     .     .    for  Waixl  N".  1 

John  Lambert 2 

Benjamin  AVhite 3 

Alexander  Edwards 4 

Capt  Jonathan  Stoddard 5 

Benjamin  Sumuer 6 

John  Rogers 7 

Benjamin  Edes 8 

Nicolas  Bowes 9 

Adam  Colsoa 10 

Willinm  Fallass 11 

William  Gooch 12 

be  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid 

Oji  a  Motion,  Voted,  that  the  Selecimeu  be  desired  to  apply  to 
the  Committee  of  Sequestration  for  the  Fire  Buckets  in  the  Prov- 
ince House,  they  to  be  accountable  for  the  same,  &  to  dispose  of 

them  as  they  may  judge  for  the  Salety  of  the  Town.  

The  Town  brought  in  their  Votes  for  lour  Collectors,  &  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

J\P.  Benjamin  Cudworlh 

M^  Josiah  Torry 

M"^.  Olive  r  Greenleaff  —  excused 

M''.  Benjamin  Sumner 

were  chose  Collectors  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  JVP.  Cushing 

the  IVloderator.  

Then  the  Meetins:  was  dissolved. 


[115  o]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  Saturday,  the  o**.  Day 
of  May  1777 


Warrant  for  calling  the  Meetinaj  —  read 


The  hon'''°.  Thomas  Cushing  Esq.   was  chosen  Moderator,  but 
not  attending, 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 

was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  by  a  Hand  Vote 

The  Article  in   the  Warrant  Viz'.   "  To  take  the  Mind  of  the 
Town  with  respect  to  the  best  Method  of  Prci)aration  &  Defence 
at  this  important  Crisis"  —  and  after  some  Debate 
Voted,  that  M^  Henderson  Inches 
Col:  Sears 


278  City  Document  No.  91. 

Col:  Thomas  Daws 

M\  Read 

Col:  Thomas  Crafts 

M^  Ellis  Gray 

Col:   Sergeant 

Robert  Pierpoint   Esq 

Col:  Jabez  Hatch 
be  a  Committee  to  take  this  Article  of   the  Warrant  under  Con- 
sideration &  report  at  the  Adjournment 

Adjourned  to  4  o'Clock  P.M. 

4  o'clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

Capt  John  Marston,  Chairman  of  the  Coinittee  to  purchase 
Muskets  with  the  Money  allowed  by  the  Province,  for  broken 
Guns  left  by  the  Enemy,  being  called  upon  for  the  purpose  Re- 
ported verbally — That  he  had  purchased  a  Number  of  small 
Arms  &  disposed  of  them  to  the  Inhabitants,  agreable  to  the 
Vote  of  the  Town. 

The  Coinittee  of  the  Town  appointed  to  consider  the  best 
Method  of  Preparation  &  Defence,  at  this  important  Crisis  beg 
leave  [116.]  To  report,  That  it  is  the  Opinion  of  the  Town,  that 
the  Harbour  be  block'd  up  by  the  sinking  of  the  Hulks  {&  of 
Cheavaux  de  Frize  if  necessary)  so  far  as  to  prevent  the  Entrance 
of  the  Enemy's  Ships 

That  a  Petition  be  preferred  to  the  General  Court,  that  they 
would  give  leave  to  the  Board  of  War  to  furnish  the  Militia  of 
this  Town  with  the  necessary  Arms  &  Accoutrements,  they  being 
accountable  for  them 

That  the  General  Court  be  requested  to  suspend  the  Draught 
ordered  for  Providence,  &  in  lieu  thereof  accept  a  Number  of 
Volunteers  to  do  Duty  in  this  Town  &  Harbor,  under  Col:  Crafts, 
at  the  present  Emergency  —  &  that  they  immediately  take  some 
effectual  Measures  to  secure  us  from  our  internal  Enemies,  which 
we  apprehend  cannot  be  accomplished  but  by  a  total  Seperation 

The  Committee  also  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  the  Town  that 
they  give  the  Committee  of  Fortifying  all  the  Assistance  in  their 
Power,  for  compleating  the  Works  on  Noddles  Island 

Henderson  Inches,  P  Order 

The  above  Report  having  been  read  &  accepted.  Voted,  that 
the  Committee  who  made  the  above  Report,  be  desired  to  draft  a 
Petition,  &  present  the  same  to  the  General  Court,  first  laying  the 
same  before  the  Town  for  their  Approbation. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  5*  Instant,  9  'Clock  A.M. 

Monday  9  'Clock  forenoon,  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  to  draught  a  Petition  to  the  General 
Assembly,  Reported  as  follows, 
May  it  please  your  Plonors, 

The  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  deeply  affected  with  the 
Necessity  &  Importance  of  their  being  prepared  against  any  In- 
vasion from  our  cruel  &  inveterate  Foes,  deprived  of  their  Arms 
by  the  perfidious  Conduct  of  General  Gage.    &   disappointed  in 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  279 

their  many  Exertions  to  replace  them,  eai'nestly  pray  your  Honors, 
that  you  would  give  leave  to  the  Board  of  War  to  furnish  them 
with  the  [117.]  Necessary  Arms  &  Accoutrements  for  their 
Militia,  the  Town  being  answerable  for  the  same 

And  your  Petitioners  farther  pray,  that  your  Honors  would  re- 
mit the  last  Draught  ordered  to  be  made  upon  them,  for  Provi- 
dence, &  in  Lieu  thereof  accept  a  Number  of  Voluntiers,  to  do 
Duty  in  the  Town  &  Harbour  under  Col:  Crafts. 

Alarmed  at  the  Danger  to  which  they  are  continually  exposed, 
by  the  Residence  of  Prisoners  &  other  disaffected  Persons  among 
us  —  a  danger  which  in  an  Invasion,  might  be  attended  with 
fatal  Consequences  —  Your  Petitioners  pray  your  Honors,  that 
immediate  Orders  be  given  for  the  Reception  &  necessary  Con- 
finement of  Prisoners  of  every  Rank  —  &  that  effectual  Measures 
be  taken  to  secure  us  from  our  internal  Enemies,  which  we  ap- 
prehend cannot  be  accomplished,  but  by  a  total  &  instant  Sepera- 
tion. 

They  therefore  pray  that  whenever  it  shall  appear  to  such  Per- 
sons as  the  Hon**'®  Court  shall  please  to  appoint,  that  the  Resi- 
dence of  any  Person  or  Persons  in  this  Town,  is  inconsistent  with 
the  public  peace  &  safety,  that  they  be  appointed  &  impowered  to 
remove  immediately  such  Persons  &  their  Families,  to  auy  place 
of  the  United  States,  and  making  their  Return,  without  leave  first 
obtained  of  the  General  Court,  Treason  against  the  State.  

The  foregoing  Petition  having  been  read  &  considered.  Voted, 
that  a  fair  Draught  be  taken  of  the  same,  and  presented  imme- 
diately to  the  General  Court  bj^  One  of  our  Representatives  signed 
by  the  Town  Clerk,  in  behalf  &  by  Order  of  this  Town 

Voted,  that  Col:  Isaac  Sears 

Capt  Fortesque  Vernon 
Capt  Sam^  Dashwood 
Capt  Gustavus  Fellows 
Capt  Job  Prince 
Capt  Isaac  Phillips 
Capt  Silas  Atkins 

[118.]  Be  a  Committee  to  advise  &  assist  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  General  Assembly  for  sinking  Hulks  in  the  Har- 
bour.   

Adjourned  to  Wednesday  next  10  'Clock  forenoon. 

May  7""  Wednesday  10  'Clock  forenoon  met  according  to 
Ajournment. 

The  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  relative  to  several  Matters 
contain'd  in  the  Town's  Petition  —  laid  before  the  Town — also 
a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  respecting  a  form  of  new  Gov- 
ernment.   

Voted,  that  the  Selectment  be  requested  to  apply  to  the  Field 
Officers  of  the  Boston  Regiment,  for  a  Return  of  the  Names  of 
such  persons  belonging  to  said  Regiment,  as  are  not  furnished 
with  Arms,  &  are  not  able  to  purchase  them  ;  &  the  Selectmen 
are  hereby  iinpowered  to  receive  said  Arms  &c  agreable  to  the 
Resolve  of  the  General  Court  for  that  Purpose,  &  that  they  de- 


280  City  Document  No.  91. 

liver  the  Arms  to  the  Captains  of  the  several  Companies,  & 
by  them  d;.'lLveretl  to  said  persons,  they  to  be  accountable  for 
the  same. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  forgoing  Vote  be  recon- 
sidered, &  that  the  Selectmen  be  dh-ected  &  improved  to  apply 
to  the  Hoard  of  War,  for  the  7oO  Anns  t )  be  by  them  disposed  of, 
agreable  to  the  Resolve  of  the  General  Court. 

Vote'l,  that  the  Selectmen  be,  &  hereby  are  directed  &  im- 
powored,  to  borrow  on  Interest  a  sum  of  Money,  sufficient  to 
purchase  therewith  Ammunition  for  the  Town  Stock,  &  the 
Supj)ly  of  the  Inhabitants  according  to  the  Law:  And  the  To*vn 
Treasurer  is  hereby  directed  &  impowered  to  give  his  Notes  for 
the  same  ;  &  that  the  Selectmen  have  a  sufficient  Number  of 
Cartriges  made  up  for  immediate  use. 

Moved  &  Voted,  that  tiic  Coihittee  of  Correspondence  Inspec- 
tion &  Safety,  immediately  wait  upon  the  Council  of  this  State,  & 
inform  th^'m,  that,  as  the  several  Forts  in  this  Town,  &  [119.] 
Harbor  are  now  destitute  of  Soldiers,  &  the  Town  apprehend 
immediate  Danger  therefrom,  that  the  Council  would  therefore  be 
please:!  to  t-.ike  such  Oider  thereon,  as  may  be  neccessary  for  the 
present  Security  of  .*aid  Forts. 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Benjamin 
Kent  Esq.  Modeiator  for  his  good  Services. 

Then  the  Meetino;  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitant  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  Saturday  the  17*.  day  of 
May  Anno  Domini  1777. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  IMceting,  read. 

Hon""'-^.  Thomas  Cnshing  E-q.  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 
by  a  Hand  Vote,  having  excused  himself  from  Serving.  

M''.  Jonathan  Mason  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  & 
took  his  Seat  accordingly. 

Warrant  for  calling  this  Meeting  again  read  ;  also  the  Act  rel- 
ative to  inimical  Persons  in  this  Town. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz'.  "  To  chuse  by  Ballot  some 
Person  firmly  attached  to  the  American  Cause,  to  procure  Evidence 
that  may  be  had  of  the  inimical  Dispositions,  towards  this,  or  any 
of  the  United  States,  of  any  Inhabitauts  of  this  Town,  who  shall 
be  charged  by  the  Freeholders  of  being  a  Person  whose  Residence 
in  this  Stiite  is  dangerous  to  the  public  peace  or  Safety" — was 
read,  &  after  long  Debate  —  a  motion  was  made,  that  the  Sense 
of  the  Town  be  taken,  whether  they  will  now  come  to  the  Choice 
of  such  a  Person  —  the  Motion  being  withdrawn,  [120.]  The  In- 
habitants were  directed  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Person  to 
procure  Evidences  &c  agreable  to  a  late  Act  of  the  Court.  — The 
Votes  being  bro't  in  &  so.ted,  it  appeared,  that 

William  Tudor  Esq. 
was  chosen  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

Adjourned  to  3  o'Clock  P.  M. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  281 

3  O'clock  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment. 
On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  re- 
tire, &  make  a  List  of  such  Persons  as  they  shall  know,  or  believe 
to  be  inimical  to  the  united  States,  and  lay  the  same  before  the 

Town.  

Voted,  that  M"".  Justice  Greenleaff  be  desired  to  lay  before  the 
Town  the  Boolis,  which  contain  the  Names  of  the  Associations  &c. 

—  which  were  accordingly  laid  before  the  Town. 

The  Selectmen    laid    before  the  Town  a  List  of   persons  they 

judgt'd  to  l)e  inimical  to  llio  united  States. 

Voted  that  AP.  John  Winthrop  jun'. 

Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 

Col:    Iloveire 

Deacon  Caleb  Davis 

Col:  Isaac  Sears 
be  a  Coiiiitte  to  wait  upon  One  of  the  Uon'''^.  Council  of  t!iis  State 
&  desire  that  the  Persons  voted  by  the  Town  to  be  iiiiinic;il  per- 
sons to  these  States,  be  immediately  ap|)rohended  &  confiucil 

Adjoui'ued  to  Mondny  Morning  lO  o'Clock 

Monday  Morning  10  'Clock  met  according  to  Adjouinraent 

The  Committt-e  chosen  onth;'  Sa!urday,  reported.  That  they  had 
applied,  agreable  to  ilie  Order  of  the  Town,  unto  One  of  the 
Hon'*''^.  Board,  that  the  Persons  Voted  to  be  inimical  to  these 
States,  might  be  apprehended  &  conlined  —  But  that  Ihey  had 
received  for  [131.]   Answer,  that  this  could  not  be  done  by  him 

without  Advice  of  Council  

The  following  List  of  su'-h  Persons  belonging  to  this  Town,  as 
have  been  endeavoaring  since  the  19"'.  of  April  1775.  to  counter- 
act the  united  Struggles  of  ihis  &  llie  neighboring  States,  in  the 
Opinion  of  a  Majority  of  this  IMeeling  is  the  List  which  the  Town 
Cleik  is  to  deliver  to  two  or  more  Justices  of  the  Peace  ibr  this 
County —  Quorum  Unas  —  agreable  to  a  late  Act  of  the  General 
Assembly  —  Viz'. 

Ebenezer  Norwood 

Mather  Byles  D.  D. 

Binjamin  Phillips 

D^  Jarnes  Lloyd 

Daniel  Ilulibard 

D^  Isaac  Rand  jun'. 

John  Tufts 

Edward  Wentworth 

Willi.im  Perry 

D'.  Samuel  Danforth 

George  Lush 

Edward  Hutchinson 

Thomas  Edwards 

Ilopestill  Capen 

Patrick  Wall 

lienjamin  Davis 

Benj".  Davis  jnn''. 

David  Parker 

James  Perkins 


282  City  Document  No.  91. 

Nathaniel  Gary 
Richard  Green 
William  Jackson 
Samuel  Broadstreet 
[122.]  Thomas  Amory 

Cliarles  Whiteworth 
D^  Thomas  Kast 
John  Erving  Esq. 
George  Bethune 
D^  Miles  Whitworth 
The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  and  determine 
what  Number  of  Persons  shall  be  chose  (at  a  Meeting  soon  to  be 
called)  to  represent  the  Town,  in  the  next  General  Assembly,  was 
read  —  and  after  some  Debate,  it  was  moved  that  the  Number  of 
Seven  be  chose  —  And  the  Question  being  put — Passed  in  the 

Affirmative. 

On  a  Motion,  Voted,  that  what  Matters  remain  unfinished  be 

referred  to  the  next  Town  Meeting 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  M"".  Jonathan 

Mason,  for  his  Services,  as  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,   Thursda}-  the  22^.   day  of 

May  Anno  Dom\  1777 

Prayer  was  made  by  the  Rev*^.  D"".  Mather. 

The  Precept  &  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 

Sundry  Laws read 

The 'Town  having  at  a  former  Meeting  determined  to  make 
Choice  of  Seven  Persons  to  represent  them  in  the  Great  and  Gen- 
eral Court  or  Assembly,  to  be  held  at  the  Town  House  in  Boston 
_[123a]  Upon  Wednesday  the  28*.  of  May  current  —  The  Inhab- 
itants were  accordingly  directed  to  withdraw,  &  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  Seven  Representatives  ;  &  others  it  was  declared  by  the 
Selectmen,  that  no  Votes  will  be  received,  but  such  as  are  un- 
folded,   &   that   they   propose   the   Poll   shall    be    closed    at    12 

O'clock.  

The  Votes  being  bro't  in  for  Seven  Representatives,  the  Num- 
ber of  the  same  were  found  to  be  five  hundred  twenty  three,  & 
upon  sorting  them,  it  appear'd  that  the  Six  following  persons 
were  chosen,  Viz'.  ' 

The  Hon'^^'^.  John  Hancock  Esq. 304 

John  Pitts  Esq. 520 

David  Jeffries  Esq. 307 

Caleb  Davis  Esq  ----------- 

John  Brown  Esq ---301 

M^  p:ms  Gray 518 

Voted,  the  Choice  of  the  other  Person  to  represent  the  Town  be 
referred  to  the  Afternoon. 


Boston  Town  Eecords,  1777.        283 

M^  Scollay,  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  informed  tliat  they  pro- 
pose the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  4  O'Clock.  

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  Afternoon  3 
'Clock. 

3  'Clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw  &  bring  in  their 
Votes  for  one  Representative ;  &  the  Votes  being  brought  in 
accordingly,  the  Number  of  the  same  were  found  to  be  two  hun- 
dred &  thirty,  &  upon  sorting  them,  it  appeared,  that 

Oliver  Wendell  Esq. 132 

was  chosen.  

The  Choice  of  Representatives  being  over  &  declared  by  the 
Selectmen,  the  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw,  &  bring 
their  Votes  for  a  Moderator  of  this  Meeting,  in  order  that  the 
Town  may  proceed  in  transacting  the  other  Affairs  mentioned  in 
the  Warrant;  [124.,]  Accordingly  the  Inhabitants  withdrew  & 
brought  in  their  Votes,  &  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

M"".  Samuel  Austin 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting.  

The  Article  in  the  "Warrant,  Viz^  ''To  consider  whether  they 
will,  in  Conformity  to  a  Resolve  of  the  late  General  Assembly,  in- 
struct their  Representatives  relative  to  forming  a  Constitution  of 
Government ;  as  also,  what  farther  Instructions  may  be  necessary 
for  the  Representatives  that  may  be  chosen,"  —  was  read,  &  after 
considerable  Debate  had  thereon  —  It  was  moved  &  the  Question 
accordingly  put,  viz'.  "  Whether  the  Town  will  give  their  Repre- 
sentatives Instructions  to  form  a  Plan  for  a  new  Government  "  ?  — 
Passed  in  the  Negative. 

On  a  Motion,  the  Question  was  put,  "Whether  the  Town  will 
give  their  Representatives  any  Instructions  whatsoever  "  ?  —  Passed 

in  the  Affirmative 

Voted,  that  Thomas  Crafts  Esq. 
John  Winthrop  Esq. 
M^  Joseph  Barrel 
Perez  Morton  Esq. 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
be,  &  hereby  are  appointed  a  Coinittee  to  prepare  a  Draught  of 
Instructions  for  our  Representatives  in  General  Assembly'. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  our  Representatives  be  in- 
structed to  move  in  the  General  Assembly,  for  a  Repeal  of  the 
Act  to  prevent  Monopoly  &  Oppression. 

M''.  Brimmer,  lately  chose  one  of  the  Committee  of  Correspond- 
ence, Inspection  &  Safety,  having  declined  Serving,  the  Inhabi- 
tants were  directed  to  withdraw,  &  bring  in  their  Votes  for 
another  Person,  &  the  Votes  being  accordingly  bro't  in  &  sorted, 
it  appear'd,  that 

Capt.  Isaac  Phillips 
was  chosen  one  of  the  Comittee  of  Correspondence   &c.  for  the 
Year  ensuing.  

[135o]  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be,  &  they  hereby  are  ap- 
pointed to  act  upon  the  List  of  Jurors.  


284  City  Document  No.  91. 

Agreable  to  a  Writ  from  Ezekiel  Price  Esq.  Clerk  of  the  Ses- 
sions   &c  —  the  following  Persons  were  diawn  out  of  the  Jury 
Box,  as  Jurors  for  a  special  Court,  to  be  held  for  the  Tryal  of 
such    Persons  as  the  Town   have   represented   to  be  Inimical  to 
these  States  and  dangerous  to  the  public  Safety —  Viz'. 
Mess".  Jeremiah  lielknap 
Edward  Carnes 
Samuel  Dash  wood 
William  Fallass 
Jo'ui  Newell 
John  Ballard 
Voted,  that  this  Meeting   be  adjourned  to  Monday  next,  the 
2G"'.  Instant,  o  O'clock  Afternoon 

Monday  2G"\  of  May,  3  O'Clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment.   

The  Comittee  appointed  tf)  prepare  Instructions  for  the  Gentle- 
men chose  to  represent  this  Town  in  the  next  General  Assembly, 
Reported  the  loUowing  Draught.  Viz'. 

To  the  Hon''-".  John  Hancock  P2sq,  David  Jeffries,  Caleb  Davis, 
Oliver  Wendell,  John  Brown,  John  Pitts  &  Ellis  Gray,  Esq". 

Gentlemen, 

You  have  been  chosen  by  the  Voice  of  the  Town  of  Boston  to 
represent  them  in  the  Gre.it  &  General  Court,  &  as  it  must  be 
agreable  to  you  to  know  the  Minds  of  your  Constituents  in  all 
important  M^ittars,  we  think  fit  to  give  j^ou  the  following  Instruc- 
tions.   

With  rp>p'ct  lo  the  General  Courts  forming  a  veto  Conslilulion, 
you  arc  directed  by  a  unanimous  Vote  of  a  full  Meeting,  on  no 
Terms  to  consi-iit  to  it,  but  to  use  your  Influence,  &  oppose  it 
[lS0o]  Heart. ly,  if  suc'i  an  Attempt  should  be  made,  for  we 
apprehend  this  Matter  {it  a  suitable  liiw-)  will  propcrh-  come 
before  the  paople  at  laige,  to  delegate  a  S-lect  Number  for  that 
Purpon\  A  that  alone,  when  some  things  wliich  wo  esteem  abso- 
lutd/j  vecessitrt/  to  a  good  Form,  may  be  viewed  by  a  General 
Couit,  in  the  Liglit  of  s  Ij  d  ny/iiii/  Ordinaiic(/s,  which  it  is  natural 
to  consider,  are  always  disagreable  to  human  Nature:  Among 
other  things  we  have  prcuharl/  in  V<eio  maJcing  the  C >uncil 
intirclji  i/ale;,eiicletit  of  the  IIoKse,  &  to  prevent  the  hit  hj  too 
pr.vakuit  CiiHtom  of  uciuniidating  Offices  in  One  Pers'me :  We 
could  wish  to  establish  it,  as  a  certain  Pule,  that  no  One  person 
whatever,  be  en 'rusted  with  more  than  One  Office  at  a  time  (& 
for  the  Diciiarge  of  it,  let  t!ier;>  be  honorable  Allowance)  &  to 
keep  tlie  A/emLer.i  >>/'  the  G(n'ral  Co'uit  from  aaeplifg  any:  This 
we  ai)|n\'lien(l  will  have  a  hnppy  Effect  at  large,  &  is  agreable 
to  tiie  Custom  of  all  States  until  Corruption  &  Bribery  destroy 
the  Principles  of  Vertue. 

You  are  also  <lir:  cted  t  >  move  for,  &  exert  yourselves  to  get  an 
immediate  «Ji;  total  L'epeal  of  the  /Ic/n,  commonly  called  the 
liegul'ling  Ads.  Our  reasons  for  desiiing  this  Pe(]uest  are: 
Becaus  ■  we  have  done  our  utmost  to  carry  them  into  Execution, 
and  find  them  so  forui.d,  tliat  it  is  impossible  to  accomplish  it; 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1777.  285 

they  are  (however  well  designed)  a  growing  Source  of  Animosity  & 
ill  Will,  tending  to  raise  a  Difference  between  Town  &  Country, 
at  this  —  important  Crisis,  an  Event  ardently  wished  for  by  our 
Enemies,  but  ought  to  be  guarded  against  with  the  utmost  Caution 
by  every  Friend  to  this  Country,  for  we  are  sure  that  our  Interest 
&  Happiness  of  our  Brethren  in  the  Country  ;  &  if  ever  the  'I'rial 
is  made,  we  shall  assuredly  find,  that  a  Disunion  &  Seperation  of 
such  Interest  will  be  the  Euin  of  both. 

Because,  we  apprehend,  the  said  Acts  have  very  greatly  raised 
the  Price  of  almost  every  Article  of  Life,  &  we  have  great 
[127.]  Reason  to  fear  the  Evil  will  be  growing,  so  long  as  they 
are  in  Being  —  though  are  firmly  of  the  Opinion,  if  the  Acts  are 
repealed,  &  our  Trade  freed  from  the  cruel  Shackles,  with  which  it 
has  lately  been  in  judicioudy  bound,  that  Si  plentiful  Import  will,  as 
assuredly  lower  the  Prices,  as  a  Scarcity  has  raised  them :  For  it 
has  been  a  known  &  acknowledged  Truth,  by  all  Nations,  which 
were  wise  enough  to  encourage  Commerce,  that  Trade  must 
regulate  itself ;  can  never  be  clogged  but  to  its  ruin;  &  always 
flourishes  when  left  alone  ;  it  is  justly  compared  to  a  Coy  Mistress, 
she  must  be  courted  with  Delicacy,  &  is  ruined  by  force. 

Because  it  has  had  the  greatest  Tendency'  to  destroy  our  Cur- 
rency, «&  render  Money  of  little  Value  ;  it  has  thrown  mauy  of 
the  honest  &  fair  Traders,  (who  wish  to  retain  a  good  Commerce) 
out  of  Business,  &  set  up  in  their  Room  Mushroom  Pedlars,  who 
adulterate  their  Commodities,  &  take  every  Advantage,  thereby 
bringing  a  Disgrace  upon  Commerce  —  without  which  Town  nor 
Country  are  worth  defending. 

Because  we  are  sure,  that  very  large,  &  much  wanted  Supplies, 
the  Property  of  this  State  &  expected  here,  are  now  ordered  into 
some  of  the  Sister  States,  until  these  Acts  are  repealed  —  In 
short. 

Because  we  have  experienced  every  ill  we  could  possibly  fear 
from  these  Acts,  &  have  felt  the  least  Advantage  from  them  : 
We  cannot  therefore  but  view  them,  repleat  with  innumerable 
Evils,  directly  opposite  to  the  Idea  of  Libert}',  &  without  a  Possi- 
bility of  doing  any  Good  ;  the  first  Act,  in  its  Consequences  in- 
troducing all  Kinds  of  Knavery,  &  the  second  closes  the  horrid 
Scene  with  Perjury.  —  If  these  Acts  should  be  repealed,  we 
conclude  the  Land-lLmbargo  will  fall  of  course. 

If  there  should  be  an  Attempt  to  have  the  pay  of  the  Represent- 
atives taken  out  of  the  Public  Chest,  you  are  directed  strenuously 
to  oppose  it,  as,  the  only  just  Method  we  can  conceive  of,  is,  for 
each  Town  to  pay  their  own  Members. 

[138.]  You  are  to  move  that  immediate  Application  be  made 
to  Congress,  that  all  the  Slates  Money  might  be  redeemed  with 
Continental  Currency,  &  each  State  charged  by  the  Continent  for 
what  they  receive  —  If  this  could  be  accomplished,  and  the  Money 
redeemed  by  Loan-Certificates,  it  would  operate  doubly  in  favor 
of  the  States,  for  us  they  carry  Interest  they  would  be  speedily 
hoarded,  &  being  taken  out  of  Circulation,  would  give  the 
remaining  Currency  a  proportionably  greater  Vcdue,  and  in  that 
Case  would   be  nearly  equal  to   a   Tax :   Besides,    the   Currency 


286  City  Document  No.  91. 

being  all  of  the  9^me  Species,  a  Counterfeit  would  be  more  easily 
discovered,  than  when  a  great  variety  of  Money  is  passing,  &  it 
would  then  be  the  joint  Interest  of  all  the  States  to  keep  the  Credit 
good,  &  might  be  a  farther  Means  of  strengthning  the  Union. 

These  Matters,  with  all  others  that  may  come  before  the 
General  Court,  we  leave  to  j'our  firmness  &  Prudence,  and  trust 
your  Exertions  in  the  common  Cause  will  be  such  as  shall  recom- 
mend you  to  your  Fellow  Citizens,  &  what  is  more  your  Gain,  you 
to  the  Approbation  of  God  &  your  Conscience. 

The  foregoing  Draught  of  Instructions  to  our  Representatives 
having  been  read  &  considered  Paragraph  by  Paragraph — the 
Question  was  put  —  "Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted,  & 
given  to  our  Representatives  as  their  Instructions?" — Passed  in 
the  Affirmative. 

On  a  Motion,  Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Instructions  be  printed 
in  the  News-Papers. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  Twenty  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed &  paid  unto  M''.  Samuel  Hunt,  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of 
the  South  Grammar  School,  for  the  year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be 
paid  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  from  the 
last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M^  Samuel  Hunt,  in  Addition  to  his  [129o]  Salary  of  £120 
-  -  in  Consideration  of  the  present  high  Price  of  the  Necessaries 
of  Life. ■ 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  INP.  Samuel  Holbrook  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  the  Common,  the  year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid  him 
quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  from  the  Expi- 
ration of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M''.  Samuel  Holbrook,  in  Consideration  of  the  present  high 
Price  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  Pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M"^.  James  Tileston,  in  Consideration  of  his  Salary,  as  Master 
of  the  North  Writing  School  the  year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid 
him  quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due,  &  to  commence  from  the 
last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  pounds  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  M^  James  Tileston,  in  Consideration  of  the  present  high 
price  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M^  James  Carter,  for  his  Salary,  as  Master  of  the  Writing 
School  in  Queen  Street,  for  the  Year  ensuing,  the  same  to  be  paid 
quarterly,  as  it  shall  become  due  &  to  commence  from  the  Expi- 
ration of  the  last  Quarter. 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Eighty  pounds  be  allowed  &  paid 
unto  M^  James  Carter,  in  Consideration  of  the  present  high  Price 
of  the  Necessaries  of  Life. 

Voted,  that  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  and  thirty  Pounds  be  al- 
lowed and  paid  out  of  the  Town  Treasury  unto  David  Jeffries  Esq. 
for  his  Services  as  Treasurer  of  the  Town  the  Year  past,  &  for  all 
his  Expmces  in  that  Office. 


Boston  Town   Records,  1777.  287 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Sum  of  Seventy  pounds  be  allov%'ed  & 
paid  out  of  the  Treasury  unto  David  Jeffries  Esq"".  [130.]  In 
Consideration  of   the    present   high   Price  of   the  Necessaries  of 

Life. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  it  be  left  to  the  Gentlemen,  the 
Selectmen,  to  make  such  an  Addition  to  M'".  Cooper's  Allowance 
as  Town  Clerk,  in  Consideration  of  the  high  Price  of  Provisions, 

as  they  shall  judge  to  be  a  suitable  Living. 

The  Town  having  brought  in  their  Votes  for  four  Wardens,  upon 
sorting  them  it  appeared,  that 

Capt  William  Bell 
M--.  William  Crafts 
M"^.  Samuel  Ruggles 
M^  Daniel  Bell 

were  chosen  Wardens  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  and  legally  warned,  in  public 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Monday  the  7"'.  day 
of  July,  Anno  Domini  1777.  

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  -  -  -  -  read. 

Voted,  to  come  to  the  Choice  of  a  Moderator  by  a  Hand  Vote 
M''.  Jonathan  Mason 
was  accoi'dingly  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  whether  any 
Alteration  shall  be  made  with  respect  to  the  Collectors  Premiums 
&  Bonds"  —  was  read — Whereupon  the  Question  was  put  — 
"  Whether  any  Alterations  shall  be  made  with  respect  to  said 
Bonds  and  Premiums  —  Passed  in  the  Negative. 

[131.]  The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  withdraw  and  bring 
in  their  Votes  for  a  Collector  of  Taxes  in  the  Room  of  M"'.  Oliver 
Grecnleafif  who  has  declined  serving,  &  upon  the  Votes  being 
brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 

Francis  Shaw  Esq. 
was  chosen  a  Collector  of  Taxes  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "To  consider  of  the  Request 
of  the  Schoolmasters,  that  Ushers  may  be  allowed  them  in  Con- 
sideration of  the  great  Encrease  of  Schollars  —  was  read  —  where- 
upon —  Voted, 

That  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby 
are  directed  to  appoint  Ushers  for  One,  or  all  the  Schools  if  they 
shall  apprehend  that  Assistance  is  wanted. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz'.  "  To  consider  what  is  proper 
to  be  done,  relative  to  impounding  Horses  that  may  be  found 
going  at  large  on  the  Common  Lands  ;  —  was  read  —  whereupon, 
Voted,  that  the  Hayward  be  directed  to  do  his  Duty  with  respect 
to  the  impounding  Horses  &g  as  the  Law  points  out  the  same. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz.  "To  consider  what  Measures 
shall  be  taken  relative  to  weighing  Hay  —  and  the  allowance  to  be 
made  the  Hay -Weigher  —  was  read —  whereupon 


288  City  Document  No.  91. 

Voted,  that  this  Matter  be  left  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen, 
for  them  to  act  therein,  as  they  shall  judge  proper. 

The  Article  in  the  warrant  Viz.  "■  To  consider  whether  any  far- 
ther Steps  slmll  be  taken  for  Collecting  the  Accounts  from  the 
Inhabitants  of  the  Losses  sustained  by  the  ministerial  Troops  — 
was  read  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  the  several 
Wards  for  collecting  an  Account  of  the  Damages  sustain'd  by  the 
British  Troops  &c.  since  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  be  desired  to  call 
immediately  upon  the  Inhabitants  in  their  respective  Ward. 
[133.]  For  an  Account  of  said  Damages,  agreable  to  the  Hand 
Bills  lately  published  &  deliver' d  them ;  &  that  said  Comittee 
report  to  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen  their  doings  therein  as 
soon  as  may  be  that  the  same  may  be  laid  before  the  Town  — 
also 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen,  agreable  to  a  former  Vote,  be  de- 
sired to  fill  up  said  Committees  in  Case  of  the  Absence  or  Sick- 
ness of  any  of  them. 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned 
to  Wednesday  next,  being  the  9"\  of  July  3  'Clock  P.  M. 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

Wednesday  July  9"^.  3'Clock  P.  M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment. 


On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  Joseph  Greenleaff  &  Henry 
Jackson  Esq",  be  excused  from  serving  on  Coinittee  for  Collect- 
ing Damages  sustained  in  Ward,  N°.  6. 

Voted,  that  Mess'.  Daniel  Bell  &  Isaac  Peirce  be  added  to  the 
Comittee  of  Ward  N".  6,  for  collecting  the  Damages  sustain'd 
from  the  Enemy  by  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Ward. 

Voted,  that  Mess'.  John  Rogers  &  Benjamin  Richardson  be 
added  to  the  Committee  of  Ward  N°.  8  —  for  collecting  the  Dama- 
ges sustained  from  the  Enemy  by  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Ward ; 
in  the  Room  of  Capt  John  Bradford  &  Capt  Charles  Williams, 
who  have  been  excused  from  serving. 

Voted,  that  Newmen  Greenough  Esq  be  added  to  the  Committee 
of  Ward  N".  1.  for  collecting  Accounts  of  the  Damages  sustained 
from  the  Enemy  by  the  Inhabitants  of  said  Ward,  in  the  room  of 
Capt  Fortesque  Vernon,  who  declines  serving. 

Voted  that  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  M'.  Jonathan 
Mason  for  his  Services,  as  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  that  tliis  Meeting  be  dissolved. 

And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  dissolved 


[133.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public 
Town  IVIeeting  assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Wednesday  the  23'^. 
Day  of  July  Anno  Domini  1777 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  289 

On  a  Motion,  made,  the  Question  was  put — Whether  a  Modera- 
tor should  be  chosen  by  a  Hand  Vote  —  Passed  in  the  Affirma- 
tive  

Hon**^*.  Thomas  Gushing  Esq',  was  chosen    Moderator  of  this 

Meeting  

An  OV>jection  have  been  made  to  the  proceeding  on  Business, 
on  a  Suggestion,  that  the  Inhabitants  h:id  not  been  fully  warned 
the  Matter  was  taken  up,  &  after  some  Debate  the  Question  was 
put  —  "Whether  the  Town  will  now    proceed  upon  Business  — 

Passed  in  the  Affirmative 

The  Clause  in  the  Warrant  Viz.  "To  consider  and  determine, 
whether,  agreable  to  the  Proposal  &  Desire  of  a  number  of  the 
Inhabitants  —  a  Coinittee  shall  be  appointed,  &  supplied  with 
such  sums  of  Money,  as  shall  be  tho't  sufficient  to  procure  such  of 
the  Necessaries  of  Life,  as  may  serve  to  alleviate  the  Distresses 
of  the  poor  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  ;  or  to  agree  &  determine 
upon  such  other  Measures,  as  may  be  judged  necessary  to  answer 
the  salutary  Purpose  aforesaid"  —  was  read  —  Whereupon 
Voted  that  Mess\  Ellis  Gray 

Joseph  Barrel 
Thomas  Walley 
Ezekiel  Price 
Edward  Payne 
Nath'.  Appletott 
Thomas  Crafts 
be  a  Committee,  to  consider  this  Article  at  large,  &  report  at  the 
Adjournment,  what  they  think  necessary  to  be  done,  to  aleviate 
the  present,  and  prevent  the  future  Distresses  of  the  poor  Inhabi- 
tants of  this  Town. 

[134.]     Mess^    Thomas  Tileston 
Sam'.  Dashwood 
Joseph  Loring 
were  chosen  Jurors  for  a  Maritime  Court,  to  be  held  at  Boston  the 

29"'.  of  July  next,  10  'Clock  Forenoon. . 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Thursday  next, 
3  'Clock  P.  M. 

Thursday  3  'Clock  P.  M.  met  according  to  Adjournment 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Article  in  the  Warrant, 

relative  to  the  Distress  of  the  poor  Inhabitants,  —  Report 

That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  procure  Subscriptions  from  such 
Persons  as  are  willing  to  lend  the  Town,  without  Interest,  a  Sum 
not  exceeding  £8000  -  -  to  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Town 
Treasurer,  to  be  appropriated  to  the  Purchase  of  such  Articles  as 
the  Inhabitants  stand  in  need  of  —  The  Treasurer  to  give  Receipts 

for  the  Money  so  lent,  to  be  paid  on  Demand. 

Tliat  a  Committee  of  —  Persons  be  appointed  to  purchase  on 
the  best  Terms,  such  Quantities  of  the  Necessary  Articles,  as  they 
shall  judge  proper,  not  exceeding  the  Amount  of  Money  so  sub- 
scribed, &  that  the  said  Coinittee  be  impowered  to  draw  upon,  & 
shall  be  accountable  to  the  Town  Treasurer  for  the  same  ;  and 
that  the  said  Comittee  be  impower'd  to  deliver  out  the  said  Goods 
to  such  persons  in  each  Ward,  as  they  shall  appoint,  whose  Busi- 


290  City  Document  No.  91. 

ness  it  shall  be  to  retail  and  the  several  Articles  deliver'd  him  lo 
the  respective  Inhabitants  of  his  Ward  only,  at  such  Price,  as  the 
Committee  for  purchasing  shall  direct,  &  which  shall  not  exceed 
the  first  Purchase,  &  tlie  Necessary  Charges  —  And  the  said  Com- 
ittee  shall  make  such  Allowance  for  Waste  &  Retail,  as  they  shall 
think  just  —  And  the  persons  appointed  to  retail  shall  sell  for  ready 
Money  only,  &  shall  pay  to  the  Coinittee  the  Money,  so  (&  so  fast 

as)  received,  after  the  abovesaid  Allowance  is  deducted.  

[135.]  And  the  said  appointed  Retailers  shall  set  down  the 
Names  of  the  Persons  they  supply,  recommending  to  them  the  ut- 
most Frugality  in  the  Use  of  the  several  Articles  during  Scarcity. 

—  And  no  Person,  or  Family  shall  receive  a  second  Supply,  'till  all 
the  Articles  first  received  by  him  or  them,  is  by  them  consumed. 

—  The  Committee  are  also  allowed  to  supply  such  Coasters  as 
brino-  Wood  to  Town  from  time  to  lime,  with  as  many  of  the  neces- 
sary Articles  they  have  on  Hand,  as  they  can  conveniently  spare  — 
the'  Wharfinger  engaging  to  dispose  of  Ihe  said  Wood  for  Cash 
only  in  small  Parcels  &  at  the  Rates  purchased  of  the  Coaster,  with 
the  customary  Allowance  for  Carting  &  Wharfage. 

The  Money  raised  by  the  proposed  Subscriptions,  to  be  appro- 
priated &  im'pioved  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  only,  &  for  so  long  a 
time  as  the  Distresses  of  the  people  may  make  this  Mode  of  Trade 
necessary,  &  the  Lenders  are  willing  to  continue  their  Money  in  this 
public  Service. 

And  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  all  persons  in  Trade  (not- 
withstanding the  Appointment  of  the  aforesaid  Committee)  who 
are  possess'd  of  the  necessary  Articles  of  Life,  that  they  would 
immediately  open  their  Stores,  &  sell  indiscriminately  to  all  that 
apply,  &  thereby  convince  their  Fellow  Citizens,  that  it  is  their 
Intention,  so  far  as  is  in  their  power,  to  alleviate  the  Distresses 
of  the  present  Day.  —  Which  Report  having  been  read  &  considered 

—  the  Question  was  put  —  "  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted? 

—  Passed  in  the  Afflrnmtive  —  Whereupon 

Mess\  Ellis  Gray 

Joseph  Barrel! 

Thomas  W  alley 

Ezekiel  Price 

Edward  Payne 

!Nath\  Appleton 

Thomas  Crafts 
[136.]     Be  a  Committee  to  procure  Subscriptions  agreable  to 
the  aforesaid  Report  —  And 

Mess'.  Peter  Boyer 

Thomas  Walley 

Joseph  Henderson 

Joseph  Calleuder 

Ebenezer  Sever 

John  Leverett 

Habijah  Savage 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  purchase  necessary  Articles,  and 
dispose  of  the  same  for  the   Relief  of    the  poor   Inhabitants,   as 
pointed  out  in  said  Report. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  291 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the   Town  be  given  to  the  hon'''®. 

Tliomas  Gushing  Esq,  for  his  good  Services,  as  Moderator. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  Tuesday  the  28"".  day  of  Octo- 
ber 10  O'clock  A.  M.  Anno  Domini  1777. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

Benjamin  Kent  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Town  Clerk  having  acquainted  the  Town,  that  being  just 
recover'd  from  a  Fever,  the  stormy  Weather  would  not  permit  his 

attending  the  Meeting. 

M^  Harbottle  Dorr 
was  chosen  Town  Clerk  Pro  Tempore 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  relative  to  the  providing  [137=]  For 
the  Non-Commissioned  Officers  &  Soldiers  Families,  as  have 
engaged  in  the  Continental  Service  for  this  Town  —  was  read  and 
considered  —  Whereupon 

Voted,  that  a  Coinittee  be  now  chosen,  pursuant  to  the  Direc- 
tions of  a  Resolve  of  the  Great  &  General  Court  or  Assembly  of 
this  State,  relative  to  making  Provision  for  the  Families  of  such 
Non  commissioned  Officers  &  Soldiers,  as  have  engaged  in  the 
Continental  Service  for  this  Town  &c 

Voted,  that  Capt  John  Ballard Ward  N°.  2 

M--.  Edward  Green 9 

M''.  Joseph  Callender  -------      excused 

M^  Joseph  Hall     -     -     - 6 

M''.  jS^icholas  Bowes excused 

be  a  Committee  for  the  Purpose  aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  Application  be  made  to  the  Several  Churches  &  Con- 
gregations in  this  Town,  that  on  next  Lord's  Day,  a  Contribution 
be  made,  in  order  to  purchase  the  Necessaries  of  Life  of  the 
Families  of  such  of  the  Inhabitants,  as  are  Non-commissioned 
Officei'S  &  Privates,  in  the  Army  of  the  United  States,  &  that  the 
Monies  so  collected  be  paid  into  the  Hands  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed pursuant  to  the  Resolve  of  the  General  Court,  to  be  by 
them  disposed  of  for  the  Use  aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  Ellis  Gray  Esq. 
M'".  Ezekiel  Price 
Oliver  Wendell  Esq. 
be  a  Committee  for  the  purpose  aforesaid 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Tuesday  next,  being 
the  4'"  of  November,  1 0  O'Clock  Forenoon. 

Tuesday  the  4'^  of  November  1777 

Met  according  to  Adjournment,  1 0  O'Clock  Forenoon 

[138 o]  Benjamin  Kent  P^sq,  the  Moderator,  being  out  of 
Town  the  Inhabitants  assembled  proceeded  to  the  Choice  of  a 
Moderator  Pro.  Tem.  by  a  Hand  Vote,  when 

The  Hon'''*  James  Pitts  Esq. 
was  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting  Pro  Temp 


292  City  Document  No.  91. 

The  following  Letters  from  the  Hon'''®.  Viscount  Demauroy 
Brigadier   General   in   the    French   Army,    was,    by  M''.  Ezekiel 

Price,  to  whom  it  was  directed,  laid  before  the  Town,  Viz. 

Sir, 

,  I  beseech  you  to  receive  One  Hundred  Dollars  for  the  Sol- 
diers Wives  &  for  their  Children  —  permit  me,  that  I  may  as- 
sociate myself  with  your  Fellow  Citizens  to  help  the  poor  Suf- 
ferers.   

With  the  Respect  due  to  your  worthy  Characters', 
I  am 

Gentlemen 

Your  Obedient  Servant 
Vise'.  Demauroy 
Brigadier  Gen^  in  the  French  Army 

Boston  Nov^  S^.  1777 

Upon  the  above  Letter's  being  read 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  this  Town  be  given 
to  the  Hon*"'®.  Viscouut  Demauroy,  Brigadier  General  in  the  French 
Army,  now  in  this  Town,  for  his  late  generous  Donation  for  the 
Benefit  of  the  Families  of  such  of  the  Inhabitants,  as  are  Soldiers 
in  the  Arm}'  of  the  united  States  —  and  that 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
Col:  Nathaniel  Barber 
Thomas  Daws  Esq. 

be  a  Committee  to  present  the  same 

On  a  Motion  made.  Voted,  that  the  Committee  to  receive  Dona- 
tions for  the  Families  of  those  Men,  who  have  inlisted  into  the 
Continental  Army,  be  enlarged  to  Twelve,  &  that  One  be  chosen 

for  each  Ward. 

[139.]  M^  Joseph  Callender  &  M^  Nicholas  Bowes  having 
desired  to  be  excused,  they  were  accordingly  excused  from  serv- 
ing on  the  Committee  of  Donations. 

The  following  Persons  were  chose,  as  an  Addition  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Donations,  Viz. 

Mess'.  John  R.  Sigoney Ward  N°.  1. 

Nathaniel  Hitchburne     ------       3. 

Gibbins  Sharp --       4. 

Thomas  Hitchburne  -------       5. 

M^  Nathan  Frazier 7. 

Benjamin  Jepson       -------       8. 

Adam  Colson  ---------     10. 

Hermon  Brimmer       -     -     -     -     -     -     -     11. 

Thomas  Baley 12. 

Voted,  that  M'.  Ezekiel  Price  be  desired  to  pay  the  two  hun- 
dred Dollars,  a  Donation  from  the  French  General,  unto  the  Com- 
mittee to  receive  Donations  &c. 

A  Letter  from  the  Gentlemen  the  Wardens,  complaining  of  ill 
Treatment  from  Capt,  M'^Neil  &  his  Men  when  in  Discharge  of 
their  Duty  —  was  read  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen,  be  a  Comittee  to 
wait  upon  the  IIon'''^  the  Council  &  make  Representation  of  the 
Interruption  the  Wardens  have  received  in  the  Execution  of  their 


Boston  Town  Records,  1777.  293 

Duty,  &  to  request,  that  those  Officers  may  be  Supported  in  the 
due  Execution  of  their  Office. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Coinittee  to  receive  Donations 
be  directed  to  make  speedy  Enquiry  into  the  State  of  their  several 
"Wards,  &  report  at  the  Adjournment,  the  Circumstances  of  those 
who  have  gone  from  this  Town  into  the  Continental  Army. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Fryday  next  the  7* 
instant,  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

Fryday  November  the  7"^  3  O'Clock  P.M.  met  according  to  Ad- 
journment   

[140.]  The  Committee  appointed  to  make  Enquiry  into  the 
State  of  the  several  Wards  —  Reported,  that  there  was  near  five 
hundred  Persons  in  this  Town  of  the  Families  of  such  as  are  in  the 
Continental  Army,  who  are  in  suffering  Circumstances  —  Where- 
upon, —  Voted,  that  the  Committee  to  receive  Donations  be  di- 
rected to  wait  upon  the  persons,  who  have  the  Donation  Money  in 
their  Hands,  &  receive  &  distribute  the  same  agreable  to  the 
Vote  of  the  Town 

The  Petition  of  M''.  Samuel  Hunt,  Master  of  the  South  Gram- 
mar School,  ''  for  an  Addition  to  his  present  Grant  on  Account  of 
the  Rise  of  Provisions  &c,  &  that  the  Town  would  determine  on  an 
Allowance  to  be  made  the  Usher  of  said  School,  for  his  Services  " 
—  was  read  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  M^  Ezekiel  Price 
M"".  Nicholas  Bowes 
M'.  Daniel  Parker 
be  a  Committee   to  consider  what   farther  Allowance  it  may  be 
necessary  to  make  M''.  Hunt,  &  the  other  Schoolmasters,  in  Con- 
sideration of  the  present  high  Prices  of  the  Necessaries  of  Life  — 
also 

Voted,  that  the  Salary  of  the  Usher  of  the  South  Grammar 
School  be  left  to  the  Determination  of  the  Selectmen 

A  letter  from  the  Viscount  Demauroy  expressing  his  Sense  of 
the  Honor  done  him  by  tlieir  Vote  of  Thanks,  for  the  small  Ex- 
pression of  his  Regard  to  the  American  Soldiery,  was  laid  before 

the  Town. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  December  the  8*'^  1777. 

[141=]     Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  Read 

The  Inhabitants  having  brought  in  their  Votes  for  a  Moderator ; 
upon  sorting  them  it  appeared,  that  the  Hon**'^  John  Hancock  Esq 
was  unanimously  chosen  Moderator  of  this  Meeting 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz:  "To  consider  whether  Ap- 
plication shall  be  made  to  the  General  Court,  to  enable  the  Town 
to  chuse  an  additional  Number  of  Assessors  for  the  more  equitable 
Apportioning  an^^  future  Tax  "  —  was  read  &  considered  —  Where- 
upon 


294  City  Document  No.  91. 

Voted,  that  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a  Petition  to 
the  General  Assemble',  That  Liberty  may  be  granted  the  Town 
for  the  Choice  of  as  many  more  As«*essors  with  those  already 
chosen,  as  shall  make  the  Number  of  Assessors  Twelve 

Voted,  that  tlie  Hon'''''  Sam'.  Adams  Esq. 
Benjamin  Kent  Esq. 
Hon'*'''.  Thomas  Cnshing  Esq. 
M^  Ezekiel  Price 
be  a  Committee  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  to  report  at  the 
Adjournment 

The  Clause  in  the  Warrant,  viz  :  "  To  consider  of  the  Request 
of  the  Overseers  of  the  poor,  that  some  effectual  Method  may  be 
speedily  taken  for  providing  for  the  poor  of  the  Town,  during  the 
Winter,  more  especially  for  the  aged  &  infirm  persons  in  the 
Almshouse,  who  are  improvided  with  Wood  &  Clothing  &  all 
Kinds  of  provisions  &  other  Necessaries  &c  —  was  read  &  con- 
sidered —  Whereupon 

Voted,  th:it  a  Comittee  be  appointed  to  draw  np  a  true  repre- 
seutiou  of  the  distressed  State  of  the  poor  in  the  Almshouse  &  to 
use  their  best  Endeavors  to  procure  a  Subscription  for  the  imme- 
diate Loan  of  Monies  for  the  present  Exigencies  of  said  pooi-,  not 
exceeding  the  Sum  of  five  thousand  Pounds  ;  for  whicli  Monies 
the  Town  Treasurer  is  impowered  to  give  his  Notes  on  Interest  to 
the  respective  Lenders.  — also 

[143.]  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen,  the  Overseers  of  the 
poor  be  a  Comittee  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  they  taking  with 
them  Two  person  ;  for  each  Ward  —  &  to  report  at  the  Adjourn- 
ment of  this  Meeting. 

On  a  Motion  made  Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Thanks  of  the 
Town  be  and  hereby  are  given  to  the  Hon'"''^  John  Hancock  Esq. 
for  his  generous  Donation  of  One  hundred  &  fifty  Cord  of  Wood 
to  the  poor  of  the  Town  in  this  time  of  distress. 

On  a  Motion  made,  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  the  Selectmen 
be  directed  to  call  a  Meeting  of  the  Town  on  Wednesday  next 
4  O'clock  P.  M.  in  order  that  Application  be  made  to  General 
Court  for  an  Easement  of  their  Taxes 

Voted,  that  David  Jeffries  Esq.  Town  Treasurer  be,  &  he 
hereby  is  directed  &  impowere'd,  to  borrow  on  Interest  for  the 
Use  of  the  Almshouse,  Eight  hundred  pounds  in  Addition  to  the 
Sum  he  has  already  been  impowered  to  borrow  for  that  purpose, 
&  t )  give  his  Notes  for  the  same. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  next,  being  the  15"'.  day  of  December 
instant,  8  O'Clock  Afternoon. 

Monday  the  15"^.  day  of  December  1777  3  O'Clock  P.  M.  met 
according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  what  farther  Alowances 
ni:iy  be  necessary  to  be  mnde  the  Schoolmasters,  on  Account  of 
the  pi'esent  high  Prices  of  the  necessaries  of  Life  —  Report 

That  they  have  attended  that  Service,  &  are  of  Opinion  that 
the  present  Allowances  to  the  several  Schoolmasters  are  not 
sufficient  to  support  them,  &  beg  leave  to  propose  a  Grant  to 
each  of  them  as  follows  —  Viz'. 


Boston  Town  Eecoeds,  1777.  295 

To  M^  Samuel  Holbrook One  hundred  pounds 

M^  Samuel  Hunt    - One  hundred  pounds 

]VP.  James  Carter One  hundred  pounds 

M'.  John  Tile&ton  ------     One  hundred  pounds 

M"".  William  Bently Fifty  pounds 

[143.]     And  that  the  same  be  added  to  their  next  Draft,  for 
their  present  Salaries,  on  the  Town  Treasurer. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  road  &  Considered  —  the 
Question  was  put  —  "Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted?  — 
Passed  in  the  Affirmative  unanimously. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  Petition  to  the  General 
Assembly,  that  Liberty  may  be  granted  the  Town  for  as  many 
more  Assessors,  as,  with  those  already  chosen,  shall  make  the 
Number  of  Assessors  to  be  Twelve  reported  the  following  Draught 

To  the  Hon*^'".  the  Council  &  House  of  Representatives  of  the 
State  of  Massachusetts'  Bay.  

The  Petition  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  in  Town  Meeting  legally  assembled  the  8*  of  December 
1777  — Humbly  sheweth. 

That  your  Petitioners,  being  by  law  impowered  to  make  Choice 
of  three,  five,  seven,  or  nine  persons,  to  be  Assessors  of  all  such 
Rates  &  Taxes,  as  the  Great  &  General  Court  or  Assem))ly  shall 
by  Act,  or  Acts  by  them  made,  order  &  appoint  the  said  Town  to 
pay  towards  the  public  Charges  of  the  Stnte  ;  Did,  at  a  Town 
Meeting  in  the  Month  of  March  last,  being  the  time  by  Law 
appointed,  make  Choice  of  seven  persons  only,  for  the  purpose 
aloresaid  ;  which  Number  has  heretofore  been  judged  most  con- 
venient.   

But  at  present,  &  under  the  particular  Circumstances  of  this 
Town,  your  Petitioners  conceive  that  the  public  Taxes  would  be 
more  equally  apportioned  among  the  Inhabitants,  if  the  Number  of 
Assessors  miglit  be  enlarged. 

Wherefore,  they  pray  this  hon**'".  AssembW,  that  an  Act,  or 
Order  may  pass,  whereby  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  may  be  impowered  to  make  a  farther  Choice 
of  five  meet  Persons  in  Addition  to  those  already  chosen,  to  be 
Assessors  for  the  present  Year ;  &  also  to  elect  the  Number  of 
UVelve  persons  into  the  same  Office  for  the  future.  

[144.]     And  your  Petitioners,  as  in  Duty  bound,  shall  ever 

pray. 

Samuel  Adams  p  Order. 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  read  &  considered — the 
Question  was  put  —  "  Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted?  — 
I'assed  in  the  Affirmative. 

Voted,  that  the  foregoing  Petition  be  signed  by  the  Selectmen, 
&  that  the  Representatives  be  instructed  to  present  the  same  to 
the  General  Assembl};. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  procure  Subscriptions  for  the 
Loan  of  Monies  for  the  poor  of  the  Almshouse,  not  exceeding  the 
Sum  of  Five  thousand  pounds — Repoited  that  the}'  should  be 
alile  to  procure  said  Sum  for  the  Use  aforesaid. 

Voted,  that  David  Jeffries   Esq.  Treasurer   of  this  Town,  be 


296  City  Document  No.  91. 

directed  to  receive  the  Subscription  aforesaid,  &  appropriate  the 

same  for  the  Use  of  the  poor  of  the  Almshouse.  

Theu  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston  duely  qualified  &  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled,  at  Faneuil  Hall,  Monday  the  15"^.  day  of 
December  Anno  Domini  1777  4  O'Clock  P.M. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

The  Hon**'*'.  John  Hancock  Esq.  chosen  Moderator  unanimously 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  Viz.   "  Whether  Application  shall 
be  made  to  the  Great  &  General  Court  for  an  Abatement  on  their  ^ 
Province  Tax,  &  that  some  Method  may  be  taken  for  the  more 
equal  proportioning  it  for  the  future?  — was  read  &,  considered  — 
Whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  be,  and  hereby  are 
instructed,  to  use  their  Influence  in  the  General  Assembly  [14:5o] 
Of  this  State,  that  a  new  Valuation  may  be  immediate!}'  agreed 
upon  for  apportioning  the  State  Tax;  &  that  a  Kesoh'e  pass  for 
the  final  Adjustment  of  the  Town's  Proportion  of  the  late  & 
future  Taxes,  by  said  Valuation. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz.  "  To  consider  the  Request  of 
a  Number  of  the  Inhabitants,  That  the  Market  may  be  shut,  or 
put  under  such  Regulations,  as  shall  be  for  the  Good  of  the  Town" 
—  was  read  &  considered  —  Whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  rliiected  to  see  that  the  Contract 
made  with  the  Butchers,  that  occupy  the  Stalls  in  Faneuil  Hall 
Market,  be  carried  into  Execution. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  dissolved,  &  it  was  accordingly  dis- 
solved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  cf  Boston  duely  qualified  and  legally  warned,  in  public  Town 
Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Fryday  the  26"*.  day  of 

December,  Anno  Domini  1777  —  3  O'Clock  P.M. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

Jonathan  Williams  Esq.  chosen  Moderator  by  a  Hand  Vote. 
The   Town  having  been   impowered  by  a  late   Resolve  of  the 
General  Assembly,  to  choose  an  Additional  Number  of  Assessors 
—  The  Inhabitants,  agreable  to  an  Artic^le  in  the  Warrant,  were 
desired  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  five  more  Assessors,  &  upon 
their  being  brought  in  &  sorted,  it  appeared,  that 
Mess^  William  Frobisher 
John  R.  Sigoney 
Edward  Green 
[146.]  Benjamin  Edes 

Joseph  Henderson 
were  chose  Assessors  for  the  remainder  of  the  Year.  — 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz:  '-To  consider  &  determine 


Boston  Town  Records,   1778.  297 

what  is  proper  to  be  farther  done  with  respect  to  Faneuil  Hall 
Market "  —  was  read  &  considered  —  whereupon 

Voted,  that  it  be  left  to  the  Selectmen  to  make  such  Agreement 
with  the  Butchers,  who  occupy  the  Stalls  in  Faneuil  Hall  Market, 
respecti!Jg  the  Meat  that  is  cut  up,  and  may  be  left  at  the  Market, 
as  they  may  judge  proper.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  duely  qualified  and  legally  warned,  in  public 
Town  Meeting  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  the  20  Day  of  Jan- 
uary Anno  Domini  1778 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  Mod- 
erator of  this  Meeting,  &  tlie  same  being  brought  in  &  Sorted,  it 
appeard,  that 

The  Hon'''^  John  Hancock  Esq.  was  chosen 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  relative  to  the  Articles  of  Confed- 
eration was  read 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz:  "Whether  any  Steps  shall 
be  taken,  for  the  farther  Security  of  the  Town,  by  enlarging  the 

Town  Watch,  or  otherwise"  —  was  read,  &  considered 

Whereupon 

[14 7 o]  Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  directed  to  encrease  the 
Number  of  the  Town  Watch  to  forty  eight  good  &  suitable  Men, 
&  that  they  be  directed  to  patrole  the  Streets,  from  Sunsetting  to 
10  O'clock  at  Night,  at  which  time  the  Watch  is  to  be  set :  —  And 
the  Watchmen  of  the  respective  Watches  ai'e  to  continue  to  patrole 
the  Streets,  from  that  Time,  every  Hour,  giving  the  time  of  Night 
&  Circumstances. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant,  Viz  :  "To  determine  on  the  Re- 
quest of  the  Fire  Wards,  That  some  effectual  Measures  may  be 
taken  to  put  the  Enginen)en  upon  such  a  Footing,  as  that  the 
several  Engines  may  be  properly  attended,  &  taken  care  of,  as  the 
preservation  of  the  Town,  in  case  of  fire,  greatly  depends  upon 
it"  —  was  read,  together  with  the  Recommendation  of  the  Fire 
Wards,  relative  to  the  Encouragement  which  it  might  be  proper  to 
afford  the  Engine-Men —  and  the  same  being  considered 

Voted,  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  consider  &  report 
upon  this  Matter,  &  also  what  will  be  a  sufBcient  Premium  for 
such  Companies,  as  bring  their  Engines  to  work  first  upon  the 
Fire  that  may  break  out  in  any  Building  in  this  Town. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  relative  to  Confederation,  together 
with  the  Articles  of  Confederation,  &  perpetual  Union  between 
the  united  States  of  America,  lately  formed  &  proposed  by  the 
Hon'''^.  Congress,  to  the  Legislative  Body  of  this  State  —  were 
distinctly  read  —  It  was  then  moved  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned 
to  To-morrow  Morning,  10  O'Clock,  for  the  farther  Consideration 
of  said  Articles  of  Confederation  ;  and  that  the  Selectmen  take 
Measures   to   notify    the   Inhabitants  of  the  Adjournment  &  the 


298  City  Document  No.  91. 

Business  to  be  transacted  —  The  Question  being  put  —  Passed  in 
the  Affirmative,  &  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

[148.]  Town  met,  according  to  Adjournment,  January  21'. 
10  O'ClocIi  Ante  Meridiem. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  Article 
in  the  Warrant,  relative  to  the  Engine  Companies  —  also  the  Rec- 
ommendion  of  the  Fire  Wards,  with  respect  to  said  Companies  — 
was  read  —  Whereupon 

Voted,  that  the  farther  Consideration  of  this  Report  be  referred 
over  to  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting  

The  Article  in  the  Wnrrant,  Viz.  "  To  consider  &  determine, 
whether,  agreeable  to  the  Recommendation  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  this  State,  the  Town  will  intrust  their  Representatives,  to 
act  &  do,  as  they  shall  judge  most  for  the  Advantage  of  this  & 
the  other  united  States,  relative  to  the  Articles  of  Confederation  & 
prepetual  Union  between  the  United  States  of  America,  lately 
formed  &  proposed  by  the  Hon^'^.  Congress,  to  the  Legislative 
Body  of  this  State"  —  was  read  —  as  also  the  Articles  of  Confed- 
eration —  Whereupon  the  following  Resolve  passed  unanimously.  — 

The  Articles  of  Confederation  &  perpetual  Union,  between  the 
several  States,  now  Represented  in  the  Continental  Congress,  hav- 
ing been  laid  before  this  Town  —  were  distinctly  &  repeatedly 
read,  &  maturely  considered  —  Whereupon  Resolved,  as  the 
Opinion  of  this  Town,  "  That  the  said  Articles  appear  to  be  well 
adapted  to  Cement  the  Union  of  the  said  States,  to  confirm  their 
mutual  Friendship,  establish  their  Freedom  &  Independence  & 
promote  their  General  Welfare."  —  And  the  Representatives  of 
the  Town  are  hereby  instructed  to  give  their  Votes  in  the  General 
Assembly,  that  the  Delegates  of  this  State  ma}-  be  authorized  to 
ratify  the  said  Articles  of  Confederation,  in  order  that  the  same 
may  become  Conclusive. 

Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Fryday  next,  the  23''. 
day  of  January  instant,  10  O'Clock,  Forenoon 

[149,]     And  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned. 

January  the  23''.  10  'Clock,  met  according  to  the  Adjourn- 
ment. — ^ 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  chosen  to  consider  the  Article  in  the 
Warrant,  relative  to  Engine  Men,  &  also  the  Proposal  of  the  Fire 
Wards,  respecting  the  Engine  Companies — was  again  read  — 
and  also  the  Amendment  proposed  —  After  considerable  Debate 
thereon,  it  was  moved,  &  the  Question  accordingly  put,  That  this 
Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  next,  being  the  26*  Instant,  10 
O'clock  Before  Noon,  which  passed  in  the  Affirmative,  and  the 
Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 

Monday  the  26"\  Day  of  January,  10  'Clock  A  M.  met  accord- 
ing to  Adjournment. 

The  Committee  appointed  &  report  on  the  Article  of  the  War- 
rant, relative  to  the  Engine  Companies,  &  the  Recommendation  of 
the  Fire  Wards,  again  Report  with  the  Amendment  Viz'. — That 
they  have  conferred  with  the  Captains  of  the  several  Engine  Com- 
panies, &  find,  That  nothing  short  of  a  total  Exemption  from  all 


Boston   Town  Records,  1778.  299 

Militar}^  Duty  will  be  sufficient  to  satisfy  &  encourage  tlie  Men 
belonging  to  those  Companies  —  They  would  therefore  propose, 
that  Application  be  made  to  the  General  Court;  that,  in  Consider- 
ation of  the  great  Quantity  of  Stores  belonging  to  the  State  & 
Continent,  stoied  in  this  Town,  together  with  the  valuable  Build- 
ings, the  Property  of  the  State,  the  Enginemen,  necessary  for  the 
Town  under  these  Circumstances,  may  be  deducted  from  the  Num- 
ber of  the  Inhabitants,  &  not  subject  to  raise  their  Pro|)Ortion  of 
any  Draughts  of  Men,  or  do  any  Military  Duty,  excepting  in  Cases 
of  Alarm,  when  they  are  ready  to  appear  &  do  their  Duty,  as  the 
Law  directs.  —  And  as  a  farther  Encouragement,  the  Committee 
propose,  that  the  Premium  [150.]  For  the  Engine  Company,  who 
first  bring  their  Engine  to  work  first  upon  any  Fire  which  shall 
bi"eak   out   in  any  Building  in  this  Town,  shall  be  advanced  to 

Three  Pounds  Lawful  Money. 

John  Scollat  p  Order 

The  foregoing  Report  having  been  duely  considered — the 
Question  was  put  —  Viz:  "Whether  the  same  shall  be  accepted? 
—  Passed  in  the  Affirmative  —  also 

Voted,  that  a  Copy  of  the  foregoing  Report  &  Vote  thereon  be 
taken  &  attested  by  the  Town  Clerk,  &  then  delivered  to  each  of 
the  Gentlemen,  who  represent  this  Town  in  the  General  Assem- 
bly.   

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  hereby  are  given  to 
the  Hon'''^.  John  Hancock  Esq'',  the  Moderator,  for  his  good 
Services. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


INDEX    OF    NAMES. 


Abbot,  19,  32,  33,  39,  6t,  111,  151,  217,  218. 

Adams,  2,  3,  5,  6,  8,  10,  1),  20,  21,2^1,  2ii,  33 
34,  37,  40,  46,  47,  48,  51,  52,  5:^  02,  63,  65 
69,78,  83,  89,90,92,93,  109,  111,  118,  120 
129,  131,  136,  l;i7,  141,  144,  146,  147,148 
149,  150,  151,  162,  166,  167,  168,  169,  172 
173,  176,  177,  178,  183,  184,  185,  186,  188 
190,  191,  193,  205,  207, -^08,  211,  212,  214 
215,  216,  217,  218,  219,  222,  224,  226,  233 
253,  260,  265,  294.  295. 

Affrioa,  133. 

Allen,  9,  41,  66,  112, 131,  153,  219. 

Alley,  Hog,  116,  125,  128. 

Taddy's,  13,  23, 57, 61,157, 165, 197, 193, 
199,  200,  201,  202. 

Alwin,  130. 

America,  22,  100,  102,  107,  132,  133,  139,  142, 

143,  147,  191,  192,  210,  212,236,256,260, 
276,  277,  298. 

America,  British,  31. 

North,  174,  175. 
Amory,  36,  45,  74, 130,  131, 136, 151,  168,241, 

282. 
Andrews,  6, 119,  166,  243. 
Appleton,  25,  72,  80,  82,  86,  93,  128,  129,130, 

144,  167,  173,  183,  184,  191,  226,  231,  232, 
233,  235,  243,  261,  262,  264,  270,  273,  289, 
290. 

Archibald,  261. 
(  Aspinwal,  198,  200,  201. 
(  Aspinwall,  203. 

Atkin.s,  253,  279. 

Atkinson,  65,  73. 

Augsboiirg,  160. 

Austin,  2,  6,  36,  45,  47,  54,  55,  56,  64,  72,79, 
87,  110,  12S,  131,  143,  151,  169,  182,  183, 
184,  194,  195,  206,  215,  216,  217,  219,  221, 
225,  226,  227,  229,  233,  234,  235,  270,  272, 
275,  283. 

Avery,  7,  34,  72,  193,  197,  198,  207. 

Ayres,  112,  154,  206. 


Bacon,  79,  130,  167. 
Baker,  198,  200,  201. 
Balch,  GO,  72. 
Baldwin,  112,  206. 
Baleston,  55. 

J  Baley,  241,  246,  254,  275,  292. 

I  Bayley,  9,  41,  64,  06,  67,  75,  112, 154. 
Ball,  198,  199,  i:00,  202. 

Ballard,  9,  17,  41,  66,  87,  112,  116,  128,  154, 
220,  229,  260,  261,  262,  264,  271,  272,  275, 
284,  291. 

(  Banot,  218,  245,  251. 

(  Bannett,  242,  243. 
Bangs,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,  217,  219,  220,  229, 

272. 
Bant,  115,  128,  275. 
Barber,  93,  226,  233,  249,  251,  253,  268,  270, 

275,  292. 
Barbour,  6,  44, 130,  206. 
Barnard,  155,  220. 
Barnes,  16. 
Barnet,  262. 
Barree,  10. 

(  Barrel,  246,  251,  257,  259,  275,  283,  289. 

I  Barren,  254,  290. 

(Barret,  15,  36,  39,  64,  112,  119,  136,  206,  239, 
240,  251,  260,  261,  266,  '.^70. 
Barrett,  5, 18,  49,  79,  110,  145,  151,  152,  159, 
164,  172,  217,  228,241,  254,  255,264,275. 


(  Bartlet,  271. 
}  Bartlett,  246. 

Bass,  9,  42,  67,  74,  113, 154,  155,  206,  220,  229, 
261,  271,  272,  275. 

Baxter,  9,  42,  67, 113,  154. 

Bayler,  117. 

Bay,  Massachusetts,  192,  247,  265,  266,  295. 

Beard,  155. 

Becker,  242. 

Belknap,  11,241,261,284. 

Boll.  79, 152,  218,  230,  243,  254,  287,  288. 

Bennet,44,  68,114,  115,  152,218,230,232,271, 

273 
(  Bentley,  274,277. 
\  Bently,  295. 

Bernard,  7,  10,  16,42,  67,  103, 113,  230,  272. 

Bethuno,  282. 

Bill,  152. 

Billings,  152, 161. 

Black,  128. 

Blackstotie,  97. 

Blaisdell,  75,  113,154,272. 

Blake,6,44, 155, 156, 161,168,220,229,2.30,272. 

Blanchard,  25,  55,  130,  152,  189,  214,  244. 

Blin,  123. 

Boardmau,  37,  64, 193. 

Bois,  175. 

BoUan,  10. 

Boreland,  213. 

Boston,  1,  2,  3,  4,  7,  17,  18,  19,  21,  24,  26,  27, 
32,  33,  34,  35,  36,  46,  49,  53,  54, 61, 
62,  64,  72,  77,  88,  89,  90, 91,  93, 106, 
108,  110,  128,  129,  131,  132,  141, 
145,  146,  148,  150,  160,  162,  165, 
166,  167,  168,  172,  173,  174,  175, 
176,  179,  185,  187,  189,  195,  197, 
198,  199,  200,  201,  202,  205,  207, 
208,  210,  212,  214,  116,  222,  223, 
224,  225,  227,  233,  234,  236,  238, 
239,  243,  247,  249,  250,  259,  265, 
267,  289,  276,  277,  278,  280,  282, 
284,  287,  288,  291,  293,  295,  296, 
297. 
West,  224. 

Bound,  220. 

Bourn,  25,  44,  45,  58,  59,  74. 

Boutineau,  79. 

Bowdoiu,  13,  18,  21,  24,  26,  33,  46,  51,  54,  78, 
130,  167,  176,  185,244,  270. 

Bowen,  25,  53,  54,  79,  1.30,  217,  224,  227. 

Bowes,  19,  241,  274,  277,  291,  292,  293. 

Box,  166 

Boyer,  12,  46,  111,  182, 193,  206,  233,  259,  266, 
290. 

Boylston,  11,  .37,  45,  86,  130,  183, 164, 165, 173, 
183,  184,  194, 19.3,  206,  247,  263,  264. 

Boynton,  17,  36,  93,  167,  206,  233,  244. 

Brackett,  206. 

Bradford,  15,  17,  18,  55,  64,  74,  93,  116,  117, 
128,  136,  157,  168,  206,  220,  221,  222,  230, 

231,  233,  254,  261,  271,  273,  288. 
Bradstreet,  73,  114,  117. 
Braiiitree,  244. 

Brattle,  24,  130,  167. 
Breck,  65,  163. 

j  Briant,  198,  200,  202. 

}  Bryant,  202. 
Brick,  9. 

Bridge,  Draw,  119, 127. 
Bridge,  Mill,  11,  43,  63,  114,  119, 127, 156,  221, 

232,  273. 


302 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Bridgham,  40. 

Brigdon,  77. 

Bright,  151. 

Brimmer,  77,  126,  152,  206,  219,  229,  241,  244, 

245,  254,  269,  271,  274,  275,  283,  292. 
Britain,  98,102. 
Broadstreet,  282. 
Bromtield,  168,  206,  222,  231,  232,  239,  240, 

244,  251. 
Brookline,  198. 
Brown,  7,  22,  41,  69,  71,  76,  79,  116, 119,  136, 

139,  150,  153,  158,  162,  179,  182,  183,  184, 

183,  206,  216,  219,  225,  226,  229,  232,  233, 

2.35,  240,  244,  253,  265,  268,  269,  270,  273, 

274,  282,  284. 
Bruce,  244. 
Bucknam,  221. 
Buliinch,  9,  41,  66,   112,   154,  168,  220,  229, 

272. 
Buller,'ll2. 
Buraslcad,  232. 
Burgess,  219. 
Burnet,  28. 
Burrell,  260. 
Burt,  253,  270. 
(  Butler.  9,  41,  66,  154,  161,  220,  230,  273. 

Rattier,  229,272. 
Byles,  25,  52,  54,  78, 130, 157, 158,  167,  281. 

Cabbot,  221. 

Calf,  166. 

Call,  263. 

Cullender,  151,  260,  290,  291,  292. 

Cambridge,  10,  14,  19,  208,  209,  211,  212. 

Cammel,  11. 

Cape  Ann,  131. 

Capen,  11,281. 

Carnes,  25,  241,243,  275,  284. 

Carolina,  South,  130. 

Carson,  130. 

Carter,  24,  58,  82,  140,  180,  252,  286,  295. 

Cartwright,  242. 

Cary,  65,  111,241,  282. 

Ca.stle,  The,  3,  4. 

William,  4,  84,  103. 
Cazneau,  40,  112,  161,274. 
Champney,  9,  41,  66,  112,  114,  153,  155,  229, 

241,  272. 
(  Chancey,  51. 

}  Cliauncey,  21,  51,  52,  78, 130, 167,  172. 
(  Chauncy,  54,  183. 
Chapman,  44. 
Charlestown,  10,   12,  20,  179  ,  187,  188,  211, 

223. 
Cbase,  114, 117,  155,  205,  206. 
Checkley,  24. 

Cheever,  111,  165,  206,  219,  254. 
Cherdon,  1. 
Childs,  74. 
Christie,  260. 

Charch,  2,  7,  41,  47,  48,  51,  52,  63,  69,  SO,  89, 
90,  92,  93,  108,  109,  116,  118,  129, 
136,  149,  150,  153,  161,  168,  169, 
177,  183,  191,  194,  195,  196,  206, 
207,  211,  215,  216,  219,  229,233, 
254,  274. 
Old  South,  52,  119,  162. 
Clap,  198,  200,  201,203. 

{  Clark,  42,  67,  113,  144,  145,  146,  143,  154, 
{  246,253,271. 

(  Clarke,  145,  147. 
Cleverly,  218. 
Clough,  11,  19,  151,243. 
Cobb,  111,  181,  243,  261. 
Cobbet,  230,  273. 
Cobourn,  04. 
Coffin,  36,  126,  130,151. 
Cogswell,  11. 
Colburne,  241. 
College,  Harvard,  27. 
Collin.-,  9,  41,  68,  112, 113,  153,  154,  219,  229, 

272. 
Coleon,  154,  218,   220,  228,229,232,248,264, 
272,  273,  277,  292. 


Common,  The,  23,  24,  46,  57,  53,  71,  77,  81, 
82,  118,  126,  140,  160,  180,  181, 
209,  210,  252,  256,  286. 
Boston,  209. 
Concord,  222,  224. 
Condy,  192,  206,229,  274. 
Connecticut,  5,  14,  34,  35,  36,  39,  61,  62,  64, 

108,  110,  179. 
Conway,  19. 
Cook,  131,  220,  230,  272. 
Coolidge,112. 
Cooper,  1,  5,  6,  9,  25,  37,  39,  40,  47,  .51,  53,  54, 

64,  65,  79,  87,  110,  111,  129,  130,  136,  150, 

151,  158,  167,  172,  173,  177,  198,  201,  203. 

207,  215,  216,  217,  226,  227,  228,  233,  235, 

244,269,271,287. 
Copeland,  52,  161,  246,  260. 
S  Copely,  111. 
)  Coplv,  1,  126. 
Cornhill,  158,  169. 

Cotta,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220,  230,  272. 
Cotton,  155.  » 

County  of  Suffolk,  198,  200. 
County  Watch,  8. 
<  Coverlcy,  68,  114,  230. 
/  Coverly,  152,  218,  230,  271. 
Cowell,  to,  42,  52,  67,  113,  154,  220,  230,  272. 
Crafts,  9, 14,42,  66,  113,  151,  154,  182,  183,  184, 

185,  205,218,  220,  228,229,233,253,254, 

271,  274,  278,  279,  281,  283,  2s7,  289,  290. 
Creek,  The  Mill,  127. 
Creque,  79. 
Crosswell,  54. 
Cudworth,  261,  277. 
Cumber,  161. 
Cumraings,  16. 
Cunningham,  25,  36. 
Curtis,  10,  42,  43,  67,  168,181,  261. 
Cushlng,  1,  2,  4,  5,  7,  10, 14,  19,  21,  22,  26,  32, 

34,  37,  39,  ji  53,  54,  63,  69,  78,  83,  90,  109; 

129,  131,  150,  159,  l^,iik,iii  178,  TSS, 

184,  190,  191,  198,  200,  205,211,  226,  227, 

232,  233,  235,  239,  269,  277,  2*0,  289,  291, 
294. 

Dabney,  75. 

Daltou,  158,  264. 

Dalrymple,  3,  4,  8,  9, 10,  15. 

Dana,  14,  19,  20,  2J,  23,  34,  35,  36,  39,  44:,  46, 

47,  48,  52,  62,  63,  72. 
Danforth,281. 

Dashwood,  15,  18,  241,  243,  279,  284,  289. 
Davis,  25,  36,  40,  14,  93,  115,  128, 136,  151, 157, 

168,  198,  200,  201,  203,  206,  213,  218,  222, 

228,  233,235,  244,  261,  262,  264,  271,  275, 

281,  284. 

f  Dawes,  117. 
Daws,  6,  9,  11, 13,  22,  37,  40,  42,  45,  47,  56, 
58,  59,  00,  65,  71,  72,  74,  113,  119,   130, 
1.36,   141,    151,  157,  168,    182,  221,    222, 
241,  242,244,  249,251,  253,  254,  256,257, 
266,  273,  275,  278,  292. 
Debany,  68. 
Deberdt,  10. 
Delaware,  263. 
Demauroy,  292,  293. 
Demming,  79. 
Dennie,  13,  37,  80,  86,  93,  109,  130,  168,  173, 

233,  244. 
Deshon,  7,  41. 
Doane,  263. 

Dock,  The,  35,  37,  38,  71,  74,  158,  189,  192, 
197,  212,  213,  222. 
Town,  35,  37,  38,  68,  158,  189,  208. 
Dodge,  201,202. 
(  Dogget,  79,  254. 
}  Doggett,  151. 

Dolbear,  6,  39,  64,  110, 151,  213,  217,  227,  274. 
Doll,  181, 
Dommet,  40. 
Dorchester,  179,  198,  200. 
Dorr,  11,  17,  217,  228,  241,  244,  251,  265,  268, 

270,  291. 
Dow,  66,  67. 


Index  of  Names. 


303 


Downe,  22,  69, 116,  153,  219,  229,  274. 

Drown,  37. 

Dumaresque,  36,  115,  128. 

Dupee,  6,  44,  6S,  114,  161. 

Durant,  126. 

Dyer,  9,  42,  66,  67, 113,  154. 

Eaton,  43. 

Edfs,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220,  229,  243,  246,  277, 

296. 
Edmunds,  9,  41,  66,  112,  153. 
Edwards,  158,  166,  277,  281. 
Eliot,  25,  -10,  54,  65,  78,  130,  150,  167,  269. 
Ellis,  10,  42,  67,  113,  154. 
Emmons,  13,  23,  53,  54,  57,  61,  157,  198,  200, 

20 1 ,  202. 
End,  North,  24,  57,  58,  81,  82,  140. 

Soutb,  188. 
England,  15,  17,  18,  29,  34,  47,  91,  97,  98,  102, 

105,  132,  148. 
(  Ervin,  167. 

I  Ervintf,  24,  54,  78, 130,  134,  168,  282. 
Europe,  160. 
Eustis,  55,  253,  254. 
Eyres,  9,  41,  66. 

(Fallas,261. 

i  Fallass,  12, 19,  274,  277,  284. 
Fairfield,  7,  3^1. 
Fancuil,  36,  144,  145,  146,  148. 
Farnuin,  220,  230,  272. 
Faxon,  168. 
Fayei-wcather,  35,  214. 
Fellons,  244. 

Fellows,  254,  270,  271,  279. 
Felton,  198,  2U0,  201,233. 
Fenno,  12,  43,  70,  115,  118,  141,  156, 170, 171. 
Fenton,  168. 

Ferry,  Charlestowa,  193. 
Finch,  29. 
Fitch,  13,  55,  79. 
Flatts,  Town's,  157. 
Fleet,  243,  254,  275. 
Fletcher,  36,  198,  199,  200,  202. 
Flood,  75,  113,  165,  220,  229,  230,  272. 
Flucker,  24,  78. 
Ford,220,  229,  272. 

Fortifleation,  The,  44,  51,  79,  165,  168,  169. 
Foster,  7,  43,  67,  206,  217,  244,  263,  274. 
Fowlc,  40. 

Foye,  68,  114,  218,  230,  271. 
Fraiildyn,  10. 
Fratlini,'ham,  179. 
Frazicr,  65,  292. 
Freeman,  217,  228,  273. 
Frobisher,  36,  260,  296. 
Fullerton,  114,  155. 

Gage,  207,  209,  221,  278. 
Gale,  65. 

<  Gardener,  203. 
J  Gardiner,  70. 
i  Gardner,  9,  17,  18,  34,  36,  139,  197, 198,  200, 

t         201,  222,  2.35. 

Gay,  11,  40,  43,  65,  68,  111,  114,  130,  151,  156. 
Geducy,  197,  198,  199,  200,  201,  202,  260. 
Gecr,  40. 
Germany,  160. 
Gidney,  232,  241,  274. 
Gill,  6,  9,  22,  79, 131,  168,  206. 
Godney,  199. 

Goldthwait,  2,  11,  21,  25,  37,  45,  48,  54,  74,  77, 
119,  127,  131,  136,  137,  155,  156,  158,  163, 
165,  167,  169,  170,  189,  192,  214,  222. 
Gooch,  275,  277. 
Gooding,  19. 
Goodwin,  167. 

(  Gorden,  79. 

f  Gordon,  167. 
Gore,  5,3.t,  40,  64,111,151. 
Granary,  The,  11, 12,  43,  68,  70,  114,  115,  156, 

169,  170,  171,221,  231,  273. 
Grant,  36,  40,  206,  229,  241,  253,  270,  275. 
Graves,  221. 


Gray,  7, 10,  11,  13,  43,  45,  54,  55,  61,   05,  67, 

68,  72,  74,  78,  79,  80,  112,  118,  119,  130, 
136,  153,  219,228,2.39,241,  242,  247,  24w, 
254,  2.i8,  266,  269,  270,  273,  274,  278,  282, 
284,  289,  290,  291. 

f  Greanleaf,  75,  152,  182. 

I  Greanleafr,  1,  2,  5,  8,  34,  39,  44,  47,  64,  68, 
75,  77,  80,  86,  93,  110,  114,  118,  125,  129, 

j  131. 

]  Greenle,af,  151,  168,  183,  186,  191,  206,  207, 
217,  218,  222,  230,  232,  233,  235,  244. 


Greenleaff,  51,236,  239,  240,   242,  247,  254, 
[         260,  264,  271,  277,  281,  287,  288. 
Greaton,  198,  200,  201,  203. 
Green,  36,  45,  49,  55,  73,79,  126,  151,  161,  220, 
221,229,  232,  261,262,264,272,   273,  282, 
291  296. 
Great  Britain,  16,  20,  34,  50,  83,  84,  89,  97,  98, 
101,  102,  103,  104,  105,  124,  132,  133,  174, 
183,  235,  237. 
fGreenough,  55,  184,  206,  219,  220,  228,  240, 
J  253,  270,  271,  274,  288. 

1  Grenough,  6,  9,  40,  41,  65,  66,  111,  112,  136, 
t         151,  153. 
Greenwood,  19,  79. 
Grey,  24. 
Gridley,  77. 
Gunter,  81. 

(  Hail,  6,  44,  68, 114,  152,  218,  246. 
i  Hale,  8. 
Hains,  263. 

Hail,  217,  228,  254,  260,  275,  291. 
Hall,  Faueuil,  1,  2,  5,  17,  19,  21,  32,  34,  35,  .36, 
48,  53,  61,  62,  61.  77,  88,  89,  91,  93,  108, 
110,  128,  141,  145,  146,  147,  148,  150,  162, 
166,  172,  178,  185,  190,  196,  205,  207,  2il8, 
212,  214,  216,  222,  223,  224,  259,  266,  267, 
269,  277,  230,  282,  287,  288,  291,  293,  296, 
297. 
Hallowell,  80,  82,  83. 
Hamlin,  272. 
I  Hammatt,  114,  152. 
(  Hammett,  68,  127,  152,  218,  229. 
Hancock,  2,  3,5,  6,  8,10,  13,  15,  21,  26,  34,35, 
36,  37,  38,  39,  40,  47,  48,  51,  52,  !J3,  62,  63, 

64,  65,  71,  72,  75,  77,  78,  83,  ^7,  88,  93,  94, 
108,  109,  110,  111,  127,  123,  129,  131,  141, 
144,  145,  146,  147,  148,  149,  150,  151,  162, 
165,  166,  163,  183,  185,  190,  191,  194,  195, 
198,  205,  206,  211,  215,  216,  217,  218,  220, 
226,  227,  228,  229,  233,  271,  272,  282,  284, 
293,  294,  296,  297.  299. 

Harris,  33,  41,  69  116,  153,  219,  229,  241,  260, 

272,  274. 
Harrod,  11. 

Harskins,  9,  42,  67, 113. 
Hart,  253. 

Hartwick,  159,  164, 169,  171. 
Haskins,  154. 
Hatch,  200,  241,  278. 
Hatfleld,  16. 
Havard,  200. 
Havtlen,  42,  67,  113. 
Hayward,  203. 
Heath,  179,  253. 
Helyer,  271. 

Henderson,  41,  68,  118,  153,  258,  290,  296. 
Henley,  161. 
Henry,  198,  200,  202. 

Heusiiaw,  2,  3,  5,  8,  19,  21,  22,  33,  39,  45,  48, 
78,  182,  183,  184,  185. 

(  Hewes,  241,  245,  264,  270. 

I  Hews,  71,  76,  111. 
Hill,  6,  7,  12,  14,  17,  36,  40,  44,  45,  58,  59,  60, 

65,  72,  77,  80,  87,  93,  110,  111,  116,  117, 
128,  150,  155,  156,  157,  159,  165,  168,  170, 
182,  183,  284,  185,  197,  198,  221,  236,  245, 
246. 

Hill,  Beacon,  72,  80,  90,  91,  125,  172,  179,  196. 
Hill,  Fort,  171. 
Hillsburrough,  84. 

Hitchburne,  232,  233,  235,  236,  239,  241,  249, 
253,  254,  288,  269,  270,  2^2. 


J04 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Hobby,  201,202. 

Hods^ias,  261. 

HoJgdiu,230. 

n»di,'  ou,  2  10. 

Hdlbroke,  57. 

H^^lbiook,  23,  81,  118,  134,  140, 141,  172,  180, 

181,  252,286,295. 
Holland,  11,  41,  60,  112,  154,  220,  229,  272. 
Hollyday,  7,  41,  68,  69,  118,  153,  258. 
I  Holmes,  17,  66,  113. 
/  Homes.  6,  1),  13,  42,  47,  63,  154. 
Homer,  52,  136,  168,  254. 
Honeywell,  254. 
Hood,  25. 
Hooton,  2J7. 

Hopkins,  111,  161,  206,  22S,  232,  253. 
House,  Alms,  11,  12,  25,  45,  46,  56,  69,  71,  74, 
116,  117,  157,    101,  214,  222,  251, 
257,  294,  295,  296. 
Byles's  Meeting,  224. 
Custom,  50,  94. 

Old  Brick  Meeting,  76,  227,  230,  233, 
234,  239,  247,  249,  250,  265,  267, 
268. 
Old  South  Meeting,  62,  71,  109,  149, 

177,  215. 
New  Souliiern  "Watch,  51. 
Powder,  44. 

Province,  147,  277. 
Sewall's  Meeting,  3,  62. 
State,  257. 

Town,  14,  129, 166,  282. 
"Watertown  Meeting,  226. 
Work, "71. 
(  How,  167,  179. 
/  Howe,  257. 
Howard,  9,  25,  45,  54,  66,  112,  130,  154,  167, 

198,  201,  219,229,  241,  272. 
Hubbard,  24,  54,  70,  78,  79,  86,  115,  128,  130, 

136,  l.Og,  273,281. 
Hudson,  179,  196,254. 
Hughes,  65. 
Hunt.,  23,  40,  48,  57,  64,  79,  81,  130,  140,  158, 

167,  180,  252,  286,  293,  295. 
Hnntc-r,  224. 

Hutchinson,  79,  90,  92,  136,  144,  145, 146, 148, 
281. 

Inches,  2,  5,  39,  48,  52,  63,  71,  72,  75, 112,  119, 
128,  130,  143,  167,  173,  183,  184,  254,257, 
277,  278. 

Indies,  West,  174. 

Ingersol,  254. 

lugraham,  1.52,  229. 

Ireland,  46,  50,  98. 

Irving,  36,  130. 

Island,  Cnstle,  15,  16,21. 

Island,  Noddle.'!,  278. 

Island,  Rhode,  5,  14,  17,  34,  35,  36,  39,  61,  62, 
04,  108,  110,  133,  174. 

Ivors,  25,  206,  243. 

Jackson,  2,  5,  7,  11, 15,  16,  21,  36,  37,  39,  43, 
48,  53,  61,  63.  61,  68,73,  114,  130,  1-36,  156, 
158,  167,  172,  198,  200,  202,  214,  221,  231, 
244,  245,  254,  269,  2Si,  288. 

Jarvls,  118,  120,  183,  206,  235,  242. 

Javl,  Connty,  8. 

Jeffries,  6,  1 1 ,  24,  25,  39,  40,  45,  56,  58,  63,  65, 
74,  8-',  87,  111,  117,  131,  134,  141,  152,  157, 
161,  162,  171,  179,  181,  183,  184,  185,  218, 
226,  228,  231,  235,  236,  273,  282,  284,  286, 
287,  294,  295. 

Jenkins,  9,  25.  42,  67, 113, 154,  241. 

Jeuning.f,  11,  243. 

Jepson,  200,  26:!,  292. 

Johnson,  156,  206,  219,  244. 

Johonnot,  25.  110,  128. 

Jones,  36,  40,  79,  152. 
j  Joy,  9,  42,  66,  113,  130,  154, 158. 
/  Joye,  152. 

Kast,  282. 
Kemble,  19. 


Kent,  22,  44,  47,  48,  49,  72,  117,  118, 126,  155, 
157,  158,  160,  168,  169,  191,  ^39,  247,  248, 
249,261,262,  264,266,  267,  275,  277,  28u, 
283,  291,  294. 

Kilson,  1. 

Kimble,  151,  260. 

Kueeland,  7,  41,  69,  112,  116,  254. 

Knox,  9,  42,  65,  67,  113,  154,  232. 

I-arabert,  220,  229,  240,  253,  271,  272,  277. 
Lane,  Cold,  164. 

I^everet's,  45. 
Long,  45. 
Langdon,65,  114,  155. 
Latlirop,  166,  167. 
Laughtcm,  7,  11,  79,  108. 
Leach,  136,  167. 
Leonard,  11,  43,  68,114,  156,171,221,231,273. 

f  Leveret,  5,  39,  43,  64,  68,  111,  114,  156,  172, 
217,221,227,231. 
Leverctt,  151,  251,  290. 
Leverit,  130. 
Lewis,  36. 
Liddle,  55. 
Lillie,  16. 
Lloyd,  79,  161,281. 
Lock,  95,  96. 

London,  15,  18,  142,  163,  164,  165. 
Loring,  117,  155,  243,  289. 
Lothrop,  25,  130. 
Love,  112. 

(  Lovel,23,  48,  49,.51,  52,  57,  58,  81,  82,  110, 

I  140,  155,  169,  180. 

(  Lovell,  23. 
Low,  9,  42,  66,  113,  154. 
Lowder,  36,  153,  182,  219,  229,261,  274. 
Lowell,  17,  36,  254,  275. 
Lucas,  10,  11,  42,  43,  46,  67,  68,  73,  113,  114, 

155,  156,221,231,254,273. 
Ludson,  130. 
Lu.sh,  281. 
Lyde,  25, 130. 

(  Mackay,  93, 116, 128,  168,  182, 183, 184,  226. 
I  Makay,  233,  254,  270. 

Mairazine,  The,  209. 

Mall,  The,  126. 

Manwarreu,  50. 

Marblebead,  173,  174,  256. 

Market,  Faneuil  Hall,  35,  213,  265,296,  297. 

Marlburrough,  16. 

Marshall,  6,''25,  39,  40,46,  64,  65,  90,  92,  109, 
110,111,  131,147,150,  151,  158,  108,  169, 
179,  193,  194,  195,  198,  205,  216,  217,  227, 
228. 

Marston,  206,  245,  278. 

Martin,  J3,  68,253,  274. 

Mason,  2,  5,  6,  21,  39,  48,  71,  75, 119,  130, 143, 
172,  183,  184,  185,  193,  206,  218,  227,  242, 
249,  250,  260,  265,  266,  270,  280,  282,  287, 

Masters,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220,  230,  272. 
Mather,  2.-i,  39,  54,  79,  128,  130,  167,  183,  190, 

2.34,  282. 
Matchet,  244. 
Matthews,  79. 

May,  181,  182,  193,  241,  243,  244,  246. 
McL'lano,  166. 

McFadden,  114,  155,  220,  230,  272. 
Mclntyre,  36. 
McM  asters,  16. 
McNeil,  151,  292. 
Mears,  198,  200,  201,203. 
Medlbrd,223. 
Mein,  16. 
Mclvil,  152. 
Mcrriam,  202. 
Merrit,  43,  67. 
MeiiUn,  161. 
Middlesex,  209. 
Miller,  159. 
Mills,  The  Grist,  49. 
Milton,  144,  145,  146,  175. 
Miasling,  167. 


Index  of  Names. 


305 


{Mollineaux,  93. 
Moilinoux,  2,  3,  8, 15, 16',  IS,  21,  34,  54,  63, 
70,  72,  73,80,  109,  ISl,  139, 144,  149,  168, 
173,  177,  183,  224,  242,  274. 
Monk,  160,  157,  215,  216,  269. 
Worehead,  54. 
Morgan,  '^20,  230. 
Morion,  233,  235,  236,  239,  270,  283. 

Nazro,40,  1.52,218. 
Neck,  Boston,  138,  171, 189, 193. 
Dorchester,  181. 

The,  79,  86,  87,  138,  171,  210,  211,  256. 
New  Boston,  118. 
Newell,  42,  75,  90,  92,  110,  119,  129,  131,  150, 

1-55,  166,  1K8,  169,  194,  195,  138,  213,  217, 

227,  231,  243,  254,  273,  284. 
New  Enarland,  19,  '75,247. 
New  Hampshire,  5.  14,  17,  34,  35,  36,  39,  61, 

62,  64,  105,  108,  110. 
Newman,  202. 
Newton,  79. 
New  York,  3,  103,  106. 
Nicliola,9,  41,66,  112,  153. 
Noland,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154. 
Norwood,  281. 
Nova  Scotia,  130. 
Nowell,  10,  67,  113. 
Noyes,   7,  41,   44,  64, 

198,  207, 261. 


},  72,   116,   168,  197, 


Oliver,  19,  54,  70,  139,  187. 

f  Otis,  22,  24,  53,  61,  90,  92,  93,  109,  110,  118, 
<!  130,  196,  205,  207,  21«,  236,  251. 

I,  Ottis,  127. 
Owen,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220,  230,  272. 

Paddock,  6,  40,  42,   64,  65,  71,  72,  111,  130, 

136,  151. 
Pago,  42,  66, 113,  154,  220,  229,  260,  272. 
fPain,  49. 

J  Payne,  49,  54,  111,  117,  120,  128,  136,  138, 
]  156,  157,  16S,  167, 170, 174,  182,  2-16,  251, 

L         254,  257,  261,  262,  264,  270,  275, 289,  290. 
Palfrey,  36. 
Palmer,  159. 
Palms,  40. 

Parker,  7,  19,  40,  65,  153,  203,  254,  281,  293. 
Parkman,  131,  152,  207,  229,  241,  260,  274. 
Parks,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220. 
Partridge,  5,  39,  64,   111,  151,  182,  183,  184, 

193,  206,  217,  227,  242,  270. 
Paxton,  142. 
Payde,  115. 

Pay  son,  45,  47,  59,  60,  70,  73. 
Pease,  10,  42,  67,  113,  154. 
Peck,  36,  86,  113,  155. 
Pecker,  7,  41,  69,  116,  219,  229. 
I  Peirce,  182,  260,  288. 
I  Pierce,  206,  243. 
'Peirpoint,  1,  13,  69,  77,  115,  117,  119,  120, 

128,  168. 
Pierpoint,  86,  165,  168,  278. 
tPeirpont,  22,  93. 
Pelhani,  1. 

Pembe.:on,  2,  3,  5,  8,  13,  18,  20,  33,  39,  46, 
47,  48,  52,  54,  63,  64,  73,  79,  110,  130,  149, 
150,  167,  197,  198,  216. 
Perkins,  6,  43,  68,  79,  281. 
Perren,  114. 
Perry,  281. 

Philadelphia,  143,  167. 
r  Philips,  190,235. 
Phillips,  2,  3,  5,  8,  10, 13,  17,  19.  20,  33,  34, 
37,  42,  55,  61,  34,  67,  72,  77,  78,  83,  86,  90, 
92,  110,  128,  129,  131,  1.32,  137,  141,  149, 
151,  162,  165,166,  168,  169,172,173,183, 
184,185,186,  191,  192,  193,  194,  195,  205, 
217,  227,  228,  232,  233,  234,  235,  270,  279, 
281,  283. 
Pickering,  243. 

Pico,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220,  230,  260,  272. 
Pitts,  11,  24,  45,  48,  54,  74,  78,  80,  86,  110, 112, 


169, 
21), 
244, 


109, 
215, 

161, 
254, 
291, 


182, 
271, 


110, 
216, 

165, 
257, 
292, 


183, 
275. 


119,  130,  144,  147,  150,  151,  167,  168, 
173,  191,  194,  195,  205,  2U6,  2iJ7,  211, 
216,  217,  219,  226,  2  7,  229,  233,  235, 
2a3,  26S,  270,  274,  282,  284,  291. 

Plymouth,  255. 

Pollar,  228. 

Pollard,  219. 

Pond,  Krog,  125. 

Pond,  Mill,  14. 

Potter,  10,  42,  67. 

Powell,  93,  130,  144,  173,  206,  227,  233,  235, 
236,  244,  254,  263,  270. 

Pownal,  7,  10. 

Prentice,  156,  229,  274. 

Preston,  19,  47,  49,  62,  63,  65,  108, 
148,  149,  150,  157,  182,  193,  214, 
225,  226,  245,  254,  268,  '269,  273. 

Price,  17,  54,  58,  59,   60,  117,  157, 
222,  231,  241,  242,  244,  249,  251, 
260,  266,  273,  275,  284,  289,  290, 
293  294. 

Prichar'd,  220,  230,  272. 

Prince,  25,  65,  111,  136,  151,  206,217, 

260,  263,  279. 
(  Procter,  25,  81,  111,  136,  140,  151, 
?  184,  227,  228,  232,  233,  251,  270, 

i  Proctor,  23,  57,  184,  206,  217. 

Providence,  278,  279. 

Province  of  Mass.  Bay,  85,  175,  198. 
I  Pulcifer,  67,  114,  155. 
)  Pulsifer,  43. 

Pulling,   6,  127,  151,  193,  206,  217,  228,   233, 
271. 


Quincey,  169,  173. 

Quincy,  10,  20,  22,  79,  80,  93,131,  136,  157, 
168,  183,  184,  185.  186,  197,  198,  221,  230. 


Ranmell,  161. 
Hand,  36,  281. 
Randolph,  207,  209,  211. 
Ranger,  42,  66,  112,  154,  226,  229,  272. 
J  Read,  -^78. 
\  Reed,  249. 
Reveire,  136,  281. 
Reverie,  205. 

Reviere,  175, 182,  206,  228,  233,  271. 
Rice,  6. 
Richardson,  6,  40,  65,  111,  115,  120,  126,  128, 

164,  166,  183,  184,  185,  193,  288. 
Richmond,  19. 
Ridgaway,  43. 
Ridgeway,  67. 
Ridgway,  36,  217,  228,  275. 
Roberts,  270. 
Robinson,  179. 
Robson,  15. 
Roby,  19. 

Rogers,  2, 11,  16,  42,  66,  75,  112,  113,  154,  1.55, 
220,  221,  229,  230,  246,  272,  273,  277,  288. 
Rowe,  6,  13,  20,  40,  55,  65,  72,  77,  80,  82,  86, 
115,  128,  136,  1.^6,  158,  1.59,  163,  164,  165, 
170,  173,  176,  183,  184,  214. 
Roxbury,  10,  167,  179,  198,  200. 
Ruddock,  2,  5,  13,  20,33,  37,  38,  39,  47,  48,  51, 
64,  68,  69,  189,  205,  206,  218,  228,  232,  233, 
258. 
Ruggles,  7,  17,  112,  198,  201,  203,287. 
Runk,  224. 
Russel,221,271,273. 
Russell,  43,  117,  120,  142,  145,  230,  254, 
260,  261,  262,  264. 


Salem,  173,  174,  176, 192,  209,  250,  251,  255. 
Salmon,  6,  43,  68. 
Salsburv,  17. 

{  Salt,  9,  42,  67,  113. 

)  Sault,  154,  220,  230,  272. 
Salter.  7,  37,  41,  61,  77,  112,  221,  230. 
Saunders,  2.30,  273. 
Savage,  7,  41,  68,  69, 118,  153,  258,  290. 


506 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Bchool,  North  Grammar,  23,  25,  55,  57,79, 81, 
131,  140,  158,  168,  180. 
WritiDg,   23,   25,   55,   79,  131, 

140,  ie8,  180,  252,  286. 
South,  134. 
South  Grammar,  23,  25,  55,  57,  58, 79, 
81, 131, 140,  168,  180,  252,  280, 
293. 
Writing,  25,  55,  79,  131,  172. 
Writing,  23,  24,  25,  55,  57,  58,  79,  81, 
82,  118,  131,  140,  168,  180,  181,  252, 
286. 
fScollay,  5,  6,  37,  40,  55,  65,  75,  78,  79,  109, 
I  110,  111,  131,138,147,  149,  150,151,  158, 

J  167,  168,  169,  171, 179,  182,  188, 189,  190, 

■)  192,  193,  194,  195,  198,214,216,  217,227, 

I  228,  234, 239,  270,  271,  283,  299. 

I  ScoUey,  164. 
Scotland,  104. 

Scott.  1,  37,  79, 130,  147,  168,  201,  202. 
8earl,130,  155,  220,  230,  272. 
Sears,  152,  277,  279,  281. 
Selben,  273. 
Sellen,  155. 
Sergeant,  9,  278. 
Service,  232. 
Sethrigg,  112. 
Sever,  151,290. 
Seward,  73. 

Sharp,  111,  183, 184,  253,  292. 
Shaw,  12,  40,  65,  111,  lol,  217,  241,  253,  260, 

270,  271,  275,  287. 
Sheaff,  25. 
Shepherd,  217,  228. 
(  Sherburn,201,  202. 

I  Sherburne,  198,  202,  219,  229,  242,  260,  274. 
(  Shurburne,  76. 
(  Sigoney,  260,  292,  296, 
]  Sigorney,  43,  73. 
(  Sigourney,  6". 
Sirams,  10,  42,  67,  114. 
I  Sim  kins,  270. 
\  Simpkins,  17,  201,  202,  275. 
Simons,  155. 
SimsoD,  213. 
Skillins,  9,  41. 

Skinner,  1 1 .  43,  68,  114,  156,  221,  232,  273. 
\  Sloan,  228,  241,  260,  275. 
I  Sloane,  217. 
Smith,  13,  25,  39,  40,  55,  79,  114,  159,  167,  173, 

192,  221,  251,263,270. 
Snelling,  114,  155. 
Soames,  193. 
Soley,  193. 

Spear,  1,  9,  42,  52,  67,  113,  154. 
iSquare,  Dock,  158,  171,  178,  189,  197,  212. 
J  Stevenson,  246. 
I  Steviuson,  271. 
Stillman,54. 
Stimson,  232,  241. 

Stoddard, 43,  67,  200, 202, 221, 230, 254,273,277. 
Stodder,  198. 
Storer,  25,  34,  39,  45,  52,  63,  64,  71,  72,  128, 

130,227,231,  232,  2j],  273. 
Stow,  222. 

Street,  Ann,  35,   53,  197,  198,  199,   200,  201, 
202,  213. 
Atkinson,  61. 
Cross,  224. 
Friend,  119,164. 
Kilby,  134. 

King,  1,  13,  16,  1.34,  142,  224. 
lliddle,  53,  197,  198,  199,  200,  201,202. 
Milk,  61,  80,  82,  159. 
Newbury,  126. 
Pleasant,  76,  134. 

Queen,  23,  24,  25,  55,  57,  58,  79,  81,  82, 
117,   120,   131,    140,    168,    180,   252, 
286. 
Sea,  119, 137. 
South,  134. 

Siidburv,  14,  119,  1.59,  164. 
Union,  3'.,  119,  159,  164,213. 
Winter,  126. 


Sturgis,  261. 
Suffolk  County,  198,200. 
Sumner,  198,  200,  201,  203,  254,  277. 
Sutton,  261. 
Swan,  152,  219,221. 
Sweden,  108. 

Sweetser,  12,  43,  47,  51,68,  87,  93,114,  119, 
130,  136,  156,  221,  227,  231,  233,  244,  261, 
262,  264,  270,  273. 
Swift,  25,  48,  86,  117,  118,  224. 
Symraes,  1.52,  166,  220,  •/29,  230. 
Symms,  6,  9,41,  44,  66,  68,  112, 114,  232,  271, 

272. 
Syms,  153,  218,  241. 

Tavern,  Lamb,  224. 

Royal  Exchange,  225. 

The  Green  Dragon,  159. 
I  Tayler,  112. 
i  Taylor,  16. 
Temple,  54. 
Thacher,  225,  226. 
Thayer,  9,  41,  66,  112,  153,  155,  220. 
Thomas,  6,  44,  68,  114,  152,  218,  230,  271. 
Thompson,  1 14. 
Thornburne,  241. 
Tileston,  23,  24,  39,  55,  57,  58,  76,  81,  82,  140, 

180,  232,  252,  254,  271,  286,  289,  295. 
Tyleston,228. 
Todd,  120,  218. 
Told,  152. 
Tomes,  156. 
TorapEon,  254,  261. 
(  Topliff,  198. 
}  Toplift,  200,  201,  203. 

Torrey,  36,  264. 
)  Torry,  277. 

Townsend,  9,  41,  65, 112, 154. 
Treat,  25. 
Trecothick,  10. 
Trott,  36. 

Tuckorman,  168,  243. 
Tuder,  11,  17,  43,  68,  72,  86, 119. 
Tudor,  114,  136,  197,  198,  280. 
Tufts,  219,  281. 
Turell,  36. 
Twing,  111. 
Tyler,  5,  6,  33,  35,  39,  40,  54,  61,  65,  111,  151, 

198,  199,  2u0,  201,  202,  203,  213,  224,  245. 
Tyleston.     (5ee  Tileston.) 


United  States,  276,  279,  281,  291,  293,  298. 
Uran,  42,  66,  112,  154,  220,  229,  161,  272. 
Usher,  6,  44,  68,  114. 


Vergoose,  9,  41,  66, 112,  1.53. 
Vernon,  36,  136,  168,  182,  183,  184,  205,  253, 
279,  288. 

I  Verstillc,  217. 

i  Ve8tille,228. 
Virginia,  134. 
Vose,  114,  155. 


Waljefield,  271. 

Waldo,  5,  6,  39,  40,  47,  48,  64,  65,  111,  136, 

151,  182,  193,206,  217,  227,  228,  241,  255. 
W.ale8,  65,  220,  229,  271,  272. 
Walker,  9,41,  66,  112,  153,  157. 
Wall,  281. 
Wallace,  1,  6. 

Walloy,  25, 260,  261,  262,  264,  289,  290. 
Wallis,  7. 
Wane,  166. 
Ward,  219. 
Warden,  161. 
Warden,  114,  155,  221. 
Warren,  3,  8,  13,  18,  22,  34,  37,  46,  47,  48,  51, 

62,  63,  80,  89,  90.  92,93,  109,  118,129,131, 

144,  148,  149,  168,  '69,  173,  176,  18-.',   \<'3. 

184,  185,   191,  194,  19o,  206,  207,  211,  216, 

218. 


Index  of  Names. 


307 


"Washington,  228,  232,  236. 
Wator-house,  4. 
Watch,  The,  51. 
Waterman,  10,  42,  67,  113, 155. 
Waters,  25,  74. 
Watertown,  8,  10,  225,  234. 
Wears,  272. 

Webb,  217,  228,  245,  271. 
Welch,  243,  246. 
(  Welles,  198. 

\  Wells,  6,  37,  44,  68,  111,  114,  152,  197,  218, 
(  230,  235,  236,  253,  254,  271. 

Wenddl,  6,  40,  65,  77,  93,  110,  111,  131,  147, 

151,  169,  173,  174,  179,  182,  194,  195,  205, 

211,  217,  227,  233,  235,  243,  270,  283,  284, 

291. 
Wenthrop,  1. 
Wentworth,  281. 
Westminster,  104. 
Wharff,  Hancock's,  88. 

Wheelwright's,  21. 
Wheatley,  7. 

Wheeler,  11,  43,  68,  114,  155. 
Wheelwright,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,261. 
White,  5,  9,  39,  40,  42,  52,  64,  67,  111,  113, 151, 

154,  166,  182,  183,  184,  192,  217,  221,  227, 

231, 232,  270,  273,  277. 


Whitewell,  22. 
Whiting,  19. 

IWhitwel,  170,  172,  182,  193,  206,  217,  222. 
Whitwell,  2,  5,  6,  15,  39,  58,  59,  60,  64,  69, 
72,  110,  111,  119,  147,  151,  156,  158,  193, 
206,  212,  214,  223,  227,  249,  270. 
{  Whiteworth,  282. 
J  Whitworth,  282. 

Williams,  10,  16,  25,  42,  43,  45,  47,  56,  62,  67, 
68,  73,  80,  82,  86,  87,  109, 113, 119,147, 149, 
155,  172,  196,  200,  201,  205,  206,  207,  220, 
224,  230,  244,  249,  254,  264,  267,  268,  269, 
272,  273,  288,  296. 
Windham,  179,  180. 
Wing,  74,  113,  154. 
(  Winnet,  241. 
I  Winnitt,  36. 

Winslow,  130,  144,  145, 146,  148. 
Winthrop,  112,  167,  206,  253,  270,  271,  281, 
283. 

Young,  47,  51,  53,  93,  118,  169,  183. 


BuBNAMES  Omitted. 


Charles,  155. 


INDEX  TO  SUBJECTS. 


Accounts,  259. 

to  audit,  11,  12,  25,  45.  46,  58,  60, 

70,  Tl,  74,   77,  86,  116,  117,  134, 

157,  221,  231,  251,  256,  257,  273. 

reports  on,  25-6,  43,  55-7,  69,  72-3, 

87,  115,  134-5, 156,  161. 

Act,  Revenue,  12. 

to  repeal,  17,  20. 
of  King  William  (constraints  exercised 

over  Governors),  28. 
concerning  streets,  83. 
concerning  lotteries,  69. 
of   the  General   Court  for  support  of 

Judges  of,  89. 
Toleration,  97. 
of  William  and  Mary,  97. 
"  Stating  the  Fees  of  Custom  House  ofB- 

cers  within  this  Province,"  101. 
relative  to  Trade  of  the  Colonies,  104. 
restraining  transportation  of  wool,  104. 
for  better  preserving  dock-yards,  etc., 

104-5. 
providing  for  town  meetings,  121. 

another,  121. 
for  care  of  street  lamps,  136. 
Boston  Port-Bill,  173,  1S5,  187,  188,  189, 
193,   194,   205,   207,   208,  214,  222,  223, 
250,251,253,255,257,288. 
Relative  to  inimical  persons,  280. 
Regulating  to  repeal,  284-5. 
taking  account  of  inhabitants  in  their 

respective  towns,  231. 
to  prevent  monopolies,  275,  276. 

to  repeal,  283. 
affixing  price  for  necessary  articles,  262, 

263. 
concerning  the  enlistments,  286. 
Address  to  Gen.  Washington,  to  prepare,  232, 

233. 
Admiralty,  Court  of,  85,  103. 

Judges   of  the,   103-4. 
{See  also  Court.) 
Africa,  133. 

Agents  at  Court  of  Great  Britain,  see  Great 
Britain, 
serving  Council  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, grant  for  payment  of, 
85. 
Agriculture,  to  promote,  see  Societies. 
Almshouse,  25,  56,  87,  135,  214,  257,  294,  295, 
296. 
loan  for  benefit  of,  12,  117, 157, 

214. 
accounts  of,   25-6,  45,   87,   117, 

161. 
grain  for  the,  46, 115. 
vaults  of,  71. 
America,  31,  100,  102,  132,  1.33,  142,  143,  174, 
175,  191,  210,  212,  260,  299. 
United  States  of,  276,  277,  279,  280, 
285,  286,  291,  292,  297,  298. 
American  Colonies,  31,  33,  34,  49,  99,  103, 
104,  105,  1.32,  133,  134,  142, 143, 
144,  173,  174,  175,  177,  178,  194, 
207,  211,  2]2,  223,  235,  236,  237. 
States,  275. 
Ann  or  Anne  street,  35,  53,  197,  198,  199,  200, 
201,  202,  213. 


Armies,  175. 

standing,  101,  109, 110,  133,  149, 150, 
215,  216,  223,  268,  269. 
Arms,  ammunition,  etc.,  2,  4,  44,  104,  171, 
241,  242,  215,  216,  278,  279,  280. 
statistics  concerning,  216,  237. 
purchase  of  muskets,  278. 
broken,  left  by  the  enemy,  278. 
Army,  officers  of  the,  139,  221. 
British,  175,  225,  256. 
French,  292. 
conduct  of  soldiers,  record  to  keep, 

221. 
United  States,  292. 
colonial,  '-42,  236. 

non-commissioned   officers  and    sol- 
diers,  291. 
Articles  of  Confederation,  297,  298. 
Artillery,  the,  228. 
Arts,  to  promote,  see  Societies. 
Assay  masters,  choice  of,  11,  43,  68, 114,  156, 

221,  232,  273. 
Assembly,  or  General  Court,  14,  21,  22,  26, 
27,  30,  33,  35,  44,  49-50,  53,  54, 

69,  78,  80,  83,  85,  86,  88,  90, 
92,  100,  101,  102,  105,  115,  121, 
122,  123,  128,  129, 132,  136,  176, 
190,  191,  192,  197,  198,  209,  238, 
239,  212,  243,  244,  247,  248,  251, 
255,  256,  259,  230,  266,  237,  278, 
279,  280,  281,  232,  233,  234,  286, 
291,  293,  294,  295,  296,  298,  299. 

Acts  of  the,  for  support  of  the 
Judges  of  the  Superior  Court, 
89. 

to  prepare  a  petition  to  the,  294. 

meeting  of  the,  91. 

charter,  100. 
Assessors,  7, 12,  33,  41,  46,  59,  68-9,  70,  116, 
118,  120,  141,  153,  156,  196,  219, 
225,  229,  231,  232,  259,  274,  293, 
294,  295,  2J6. 

abatement  of  taxes  by,  12,  46,  59, 

70,  116,  153,  219,  231,  274,  296. 
books,  59,  196,  225. 

to  prepare  a  list  of  absentees, 
274. 

to  prepare  petition  to  the,  294. 
Associations,  names  of  the,  to  obtain,  281. 
Atkinson  street,  61. 
Attorney-General,  the,  265. 
Auditors,  77. 
Augsbourg,  160. 

Bakers,  263.     {See  also  Tra.6.QS.) 
Barracks,  2,  258,  257. 
Batteries,  257. 

Beacon  hill,  preservation  of,  72,  80,  90,  172, 
179, 196. 
original  grant  of,  91. 
old  water  course  at,  125. 
encroachments  on,  196. 
Bells,  81. 

Benefactors,  public,  87,  88, 127,  292,  294. 
Bills,  of  credit,  5,  14,  17,  19,  34,  35,  36,  39, 
40,   61,   62,   64,   65,   88,  93,  108,  110, 
112. 
bill  of  rights,  123. 


Index  to  Subjects. 


309 


Bills,  hand,  4, 142,  255,  256,  288. 
exchange,  103. 

Port,  172,  173,  175,  177,  179,  181,  183, 

185,  187,  183,  189,  193,  194,  205,  207, 

208,  214,  222,  223,  250,  251,  253,  255, 

257,  283. 

Blacksmiths,  127, 175. 

Blockade  of  Boston,  175,  176,  179,  185,  186, 

212,  223.     (See  also  Port  Bill.) 
Board  of  War,  278,  279,  280. 
Bonds,  see  Sureties. 
Books,  town's,  see  Records. 
Boston,  1,  2,  3,  4,  7,  10,  17,  18,  19,  21,   22, 
24,  26,  27,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36,  46,  49,  53,  54, 
61,  62,  64,  72,  75,  77,  78,  79,  80,  88,  89,  90, 
91,  93,  108,  103,  110,  120,  125,  128,   129, 
138,  133,141,  145,  146,  148,  150,  160,  162, 
172,173,  175,  176,  177,  179,  181, 185,  186, 
187,  188,  189,  192,  194,  195,  197,  198,  199, 
200,  201,  205,  207,  20S,  209,  210,  212,  214, 
216,  222,  223,  224,  225,  227,  228,  231,  233, 
234,  236,  238,  239,  243,  244,  247,  249,  250, 
251,  253,  255,  256,  257,  259,  265,  266,  267, 
269,  275-6,  277,  278,  280,  282,  284,  287, 
288,  289,  291,  232,  293,  295,  296,  297. 
Boston  Harbor,  see  Harbor,  the. 
Boston  Neck,  see  Neck,  the. 
Boston  Regiment,  tield  officers  of,  279. 
Bonnds,  see  Perambulations  or  Surveys. 
Braintree,  244. 

Breadstuffs,  11,  12,  43,  46,  68,  70,  114,  115, 
116,  156,  221,  231,  253,  261,  262,  263,  264, 
273. 
Brick-yard,  189.    {See  also  Neck,  the.) 

bricks,  223. 
Bridge,  mill,   11,  43,  114,  119,  156,  221,  232, 
273. 
pumps  at,  to  affix,  119, 127. 
draw,  119. 

pumps  at,  to  affix,  127. 
Brookline,  198. 
Buildings,  wooden,  127. 

damage  to,   and  destmction   of, 
25G-7. 
Butchers,  236,  237. 

stalls,  to  erect,  265. 
Butter,  see  Dairy  Produce. 

Cambridge,  10,  14,  19,  208.  209,  212. 

seizure  of  powder  at,  203. 
Canada  Department,  see  Northern  and  Can- 
ada Department. 
Cape  Ann,  131. 
Carpenters,  127. 
Carriage,  wheel,  tax  on,  115, 116,  128.     {See 

also  Taxes.) 
Carts,  trucks,  etc.,  35,  158, 159,  213. 
Castle,  the,  3, 4,  15,  16,  21, 84,  103.     {See  also 

Fortifications.) 
Castle  Island,  see  Castle,  the. 
Castle  William,  see  Castle,  the. 
Cereals,  see  Breadstuffs. 
Charlestown,  10,  12,  20,  179,  187,  188,  223. 

Ferry,    193,    211.      {See    also 
Ferries.) 
Charter  of  William  and  Mary,  101,  192. 

of  the  Province,  see  Massachusetts 
Bay,  Province  of. 
Chimnies,  sweeping  of,  47,  51,  55-6. 
statistics  concerning,  55-6. 
sweepers,  55-6. 
tax  on,  55. 
Clock,  71,  158. 

on  the  Old  South  Meeting-house,  re- 
pairs on,  71. 
new,  to  purchase,  76,  119, 162. 
town,  162. 
Clothing,  262. 
Cocoa,  262. 
Coffee,  262. 
Cold  lane,  164. 
Colleges :  — 

Harvard  College,  27. 
Colonial  Army,  see  Army. 


Colonies,  the,  see  American  Colonies. 
Colonists,  89,  124. 

rights  of  the,  93,  94-99, 105, 123. 

infringements  on,  99- 
106,  123. 
Commerce,  to  promote,  see  Societies, 
interests  of,  85,  175,  285. 
losses,  255. 
statistics,  255-6. 
Committees,  2,  3,  4,  7,  8,9,  10,  11, 12, 13, 14, 
15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  20,  21,  22,  23, 
26,  34, 37,  33, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, 
50,  51,  52,  54,  55,  66,  57,  58,  59, 
60,  62,  63,  63,  63,  70,  71,  72,  74, 
76,  77,  79,  80,  82,  86,  87,  88,  89, 
90,  91,  92,  9:3,  04,  108,  103,  110, 
115,  116,  117,  118,  119,  120,  125, 
127,  123,  129,  131,  134,  135,  136, 
137,  133,  133,  143,  144,  145,  146, 
148,  149,  150,  155,  156,  157,  158, 
159,  160-1,  162,  16J.  164, 165, 163, 
169, 170,  171,  172,  173,  174,  175, 
176,  177, 173, 179, 181, 182-3, 184, 
185,  188, 187,  183,  189,  191,  193, 
194, 195, 196,  197,  205,  207,  208, 
213,  215,  216,  221,  222,  225,  226, 
228,  231,  232,  233,  235,  236,  239, 
240,  242,  213,  244,  245,  217,  248, 
249,  251,  252,  253,  254,  255,  256, 
257,  258,  259,  280,  261,  262,  263, 
264,  265,  263,  267,  268,  269,  270, 
275,  278,  279,  280,  281,  288,  289, 
290,  291,  292,  294,  295,  297,  298, 
299. 
of  Correspondence,  93,  94-5,  125, 
146, 174,  187,  205,  212,  221,  233, 
239,  210,  212,  243,  214,  260,  261, 
263,  264,270-1,  276,  277,230,  283. 
of  Sequestration,  277. 
Common,  the,  23, 125,  126, 160. 

nuisance  in,  to  remove,  71,  77. 
writing  school  in,  23, 21,  57,  58,  81, 
82,  118,   126,   140,   160,   180,  181, 
252,  286. 
pond  near  Frog  Pond,  125. 
Concord,  222,  224. 

Confederation,  see  Articles  of  Confederation. 
Connecticut,  5,  14,  34,  35,  36,  39,  61,  62,  64, 

108, 110,  179. 
Continental  Congress,  205,  207,  2'^'9,  210,  211, 
231,  235,  256,  268, 267,  276,  285, 
297,298. 
Service,  291, 

statistics  of,  246. 
Army,  266,  293. 
currency,  285. 
Corn,  see  Breadstuffs. 

hill,  158,  159. 
Corporations,  see  Societies  and  Corporations. 
Correspondence,   Committee    of,    see    Com- 
mittees. 
Cotton-wool,  262. 
Council  Chamber,  1,  27. 

members  of  the,  3,  8, 15,  33,  50, 103, 
121,  139,   209,   233,  245,   247,  248, 
230,  281,  234,  292,  295. 
grant  for  payment  of  Agents  serv- 
ing,  85. 
County  gaol,  see  Gaol,  County, 
registar,  choice  of,  39,  44. 
sheriff,  8. 
watch,  8. 

treasurer,  8,  39,  44,  230. 
Court,  General,  see  Assembly. 

of  general  or  quarter  sessions,  8,  44, 
69,  115,  152,  218,  230,  273. 
clerk  of  the,  234. 
Superior,  13,  15,  88,  89,  121,  122,  133, 
187. 
Judges  of,   appointment  and 
salaries,  86,  83,  89,  91,  102, 
103,  121,  122. 
Inferior,  37,  241. 
of  Admiralty,  85,  104,  243. 


310 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Court  of  Exchequer  (Scotland),  104. 
Inquisition,  133. 
Maritime,  259. 
Court  for  trial  and  condemnation  of  Vessels, 

etc.,  see  Court  of  Admiralty. 
Cowkeeper,  choice  of,   10,  43,  67,  114,   155, 

220,  230,  272,  287. 
Cross  street,  224. 
Custom  house  fees,  94,  101. 

Act  stating,  101. 
Commission  of,  100,  139,  142. 
collectors  and  deputy  collec- 
tors, 100. 
Customs,  Board  of  Commissioners  of  the,  34, 
50. 
house,  50. 

Dairy  produce,  253. 
Deeds,  titles  of,  3T,  68,  74. 

abutters  on    Town    Dock, 
37,  38. 
Deer,  law  for  the  preservation  of,  breach  of, 
informers  against,  9,  42,  67, 113,  154,  220, 
223,  272. 
Delaware,  263. 
Depositions,  to  take,   2. 

copies  of,  to  print,  20-. 
Disease,   infectious,  spread   of,  to  prevent, 
27,  223-24,  240,  245,  246. 
statistics  of,  218.    {See  also  Small 
Pox,  Plague,  etc.) 
Dispatches  to  England,  15,  17,  18,  34. 
Dock,  the,  35,  37,  38. 

filling  up  of,  71,  74,  158,  189, 192, 

197,  208,  212-13,  222. 
titles  of,  37,  68,  158,  208,  212-13. 
dockage,  80,  213. 
dock  yards,  104. 

square,  incumbrances   on,  to   re- 
move, 153,  212-13. 
petition  for  well  to  be  dug  and 
pump  to  be  set  at,  171,  178,  189. 
Dorchester,  179,  198,  200. 

Neck,  181. 
Drains,  35,  213.     {See  also  under  the  several 

streets  ) 
Draw  bridge,  see  Bridge, 

East  India  Company,  141-44,  148. 

factors  of,  144.     {See 
also   Societies,  Cor- 
porations, etc.) 
England,  15,  17,  29,  47,  91,  97,  104,  132, 148. 
dispatches  to  be  sent  to,  15,  17,  18, 
34. 
received  from,  34. 
Estate,  real  and  personal,  injury  threatening, 

Europe,  160. 
Exports,  174,  223. 

Faneuil  Hall,  1,  2,  5,  17,  19,  21,  32,  34,  35,  36 
48,  53,  61,  62,  64,  77,  88,  89, 91, 93 
103,  110,  123,  141, 145,  146,  147 
143,  150,  162, 172,  178,  185,  190 
193,  205,  207,  208,  212,  214,  216 
222,  22j,  221,  239,  286,  287,  277 
230,  232,  287,  238,  291,  293,  296 
297. 
not  to  be  used  to  entertain  cer- 

tain  persons,  139. 
Market,  35,  213,  235,  296,  297. 
stalls  in,  265,  238,297. 
{See  also  Market.) 
Fast-Day,  to  appoint,  33. 
Ferries :  — 

Charlostown,193,211. 
Fines  or  Penalties,  6,  25,  40,  56,  87,  104,  112, 

135,  152,161,  218,223,257,271. 
Fire,  water  engines,  87,  83,  127,  297. 

persons   refusing  to  work  at,  to  pun- 
ish, 14. 
precautions  against,  47,  119,  127,   172, 
13 J,  297. 


Fire,  men,  88,  297. 

exemptions  of,  88,  299. 
damage  caused  by,  119,  157,  197,  198. 
leather   buckets  for  the  engines,  119, 

277. 
of  Feb.  3,  1767,197,  198. 
premium,  297,  299. 
companies,  298,  299. 
Firewards,  6,  14,  40,  47,  65,  111,  119,  120,  126, 
141,  151,  162,  217,  218,  219,  223,  271,  297, 
298. 
Fish,  supply  of,  262. 
fishermen,  262. 
Flour,  see  Breadstuffs. 
Fort  Hill,  mills  on,  171. 

Fortifications,  3,  4,  15,  44,  51,  79,  103,  157, 
210,   257,  277,  278,  280.      {See  also  the 
Castle,  Batteries,  etc.) 
Friend  street,  new  street  across,  to  lay  out, 

119,  159,  164. 
Frog  pond,  pond  near,  125.    {See  also  Com- 

mon,  the.) 
Fruit,  256. 
Furniture,  256. 

Gaol,  County,  8. 

Germany,  natives  of,  159-60. 

meeting-house  for,  159- 
60,  164. 
Government,  new  form  of,  247,  248,  279,  283, 

2S4. 
Governor,  the,  2,  15,  27,  28,  31,  78,  S3,  84,  89, 
91,  101,   102,   103,  122,  123, 
124,  125,  133,  139,  145,  193, 
194,  195, 196. 
Lieut.,  3,  4,  8,  10,  15,  54,  78,  94. 
address  to  the,  89-90,  91-2. 

reply,  90,  92. 
gross  misrepresentations  made  b}', 
120-23,  209,  210,  211. 
Grain,  see  Breadstuffs. 

price  of,  to  regulate,  11,  43, 156,  221,  232, 

273. 
purchase  of,  12,  43,  46,  68, 114, 116,  156, 

221,  231. 

losses  in,  256. 

Granary,  11,  68,  156. 

keeper  of,  11,  43,  68,  70, 114,  115, 
156,  171,  221. 
accounts  of  the,  43,  70, 
158,  171. 
part  of  the,  on  the  Common,  to  be 
used    as    a    meeting-house    for 
German  protestants,  164. 
Grants,  see  Lands. 

Great  Britain,  16,  20,  26,  34,  50,  98,  103,  104, 
105,  132,  133,  174,  183,  235, 
237. 
Parliament  of,  26,  85,  91,  97, 
99,    101,  102,  121,   124,  139, 
142,  143,  173,  175,  176,  185, 
194-,  209,  237. 
House  of  Commons,  89,  99. 

Lords,  26,  99. 
Agents  at  Court  of,  grant 

for    payment    of,  re- 
fused, 85,  103. 
Green  Dragon,  the,    159.     {See  also  Tav- 
erns.) 

Handbills,  4,  142,  255. 

Hancock's  wharf,  88.     {See  also  Wharves.) 

Harbor,  the,  175,  223,  238,  239,  255,  230. 

to  blockade,  173,  174,  175,  176, 185. 
sinking  of  hulks  in  the,  238,  239, 
278,  279. 
Harvard  College,  see  Colleges. 
Hats,  manufacture  and  transportation  of,  104. 
Hay,  158,  150. 

damage  to,  256. 
market,  265. 
weighing  of,  287. 
weigher  of,  allowance,  287. 
Hayward,  see  Cowkeeper. 


Index  to  Subjects. 


311 


Hemp,  surveyors  of,  10,  43,  67,  112,  153,  219, 
229,  272,  275. 

Hog  alley,  116-17, 125,  126. 

7iot  property  of  the  town,  126. 

Hogreeves,  choice  of,  10,  42,  67,  74, 114, 155, 
220,  230,  272. 

Hollis  street  meeting-house,  224.     {See  also 
Meeting-houses.) 

Horses  at  large,  287. 

Hospitals,  224,  251. 

hospital-ship,  see  Ships,  etc. 
at  Salem,  251. 

House  of  Commons,  see  Great  Britain,  Par- 
liament. 

House  of  Lords,  see  Great  Britain,  Parlia- 
ment. 

Houses  of  ill-repute,  to  abolish,  17,  19. 

Hulks  of  vessels,  to  sink,  see  Harbor,  the. 

Imports,  174,  263,  264. 
Indian  corn,  see  Breadstuffs. 
Inhabitants  or  Freeholders,  1,  2,  4,17,  19,  21, 
22,  24,  32,  33,  36,  61,  62,  64,  77, 
88,  89,  93, 108,110,121, 122, 123, 
128,  129,  134, 137,  141,  144,147, 
148,  152,  153,  159,  162, 185,  187, 
190,  194,  195,  207,  208,  2U9,  212, 
214,  216,  222,  223,  227,  233,  234, 
235,  239,  242,  244,  245,  246,  247, 
249,  250,  255,  257,  2-59,  260,  262, 
263,  264,  265,  266,  267,  269,  280, 
282,  288,  289,  291,  293,  295,  296, 
297. 
petition  of,  147. 
in   different  towns,  account  of, 

to  take,  231. 
to  provide  with  arms,  etc.,  241, 

242,  245,  246. 
statistics  of,  in  Continental  ser- 
vice, 246. 
Innholders,  115,  116,  128, 195. 
Inoculation  for  small-pox,  see  Small-Pox. 
Intemperance,  immorality,    profanity,  etc, 

17,  19. 
Inventory  of  losses  sustained  by  the  colon- 
ists during  the  Revolution,  257. 
Ireland,  46,  50,  98. 
Iron,  104. 
Islands,  257. 

Castle,  16. 

Noddles,  278. 

West  Indies,  174, 175. 

Jayl,  County,  see  Gaol,  County. 
Judges  of  the  Superior  Court,  see  Court. 
Jurors,  list  of,  to  act  upon,  32,  56,  70,  283. 
choice  of,  35,  36,  37,  50,  52,  243,  244, 

234,  289. 
petit,  35,  37. 
grand,  35,  187,  265. 
trial  by  juries,  85, 103. 
Justices,  5,  6,  13,  14,  15,  16,  23,  36,  53,  61,  78- 
9,  121,  130,  133,  173,  187,  195,  197, 
198,  199,  200,  201,  221,  281. 

Kilby  street,  134. 
King  street,  1,  13,  134,  142. 
tavern  in,  224. 

Lamps,  street,  72, 115,  120, 128, 162,  163,  164- 
5,  193. 
annual  funds  for,  to  raise,  72, 

115,  116,  128,  136. 
tax  for,  123. 
security  of,  128,  135. 
number  of,  163. 
Land,  grants  of,  105. 

Lamb  Tavern,  the,  224.  (See  also  Taverns.) 
Land  or  buildings,  towns,  14,  35,  46,  71,  76, 
79,  80,  81,  86, 
126,  137,  157, 
158,  160,  181, 
186,  256. 
Bale  of,  22. 


Land  or  buildings,  towns,  to  lease,  71,   76, 
157-8. 
to  sell,  117,120. 
plan  of,  171. 
at    South    End, 
181,   188. 
Land  or  buildings  — 
Owners :  — 

Amory, 1.,  45. 

Andrews,  Capf. ,1.,  119. 

Ball,   Gapt.  Robert,  1.,  198, 199, 

200. 
Blin,  Thomas,  1.,  126. 
Briant,  John,  1.,  198,  200. 

Brimmer,  Messrs. ,1.,  126. 

Cobb, ,1.,181. 

Crafts,  William,  h.,  14. 
Curtis  and  May,  1.,  181. 
Gushing,  Jonathan  {heirs  of), 

].,  198,  200. 
Dodge,    James    (deceased),  1., 

201. 

Dolbeare, .  sh.,  213. 

Durant, ,  1  ,  126. 

Emmons,  Jacob,  1.,  13,  23,  57, 

61,  201,  202. 
Emmons,  Thomas,  1.,  198,  202. 
Eayerweather,  John  {heirs  of) , 

w.  h.,  35,  214. 
Fletcher,  William  {heirs  of),  1., 

198,  199,  200. 

Fletcher, ,  h.,  198. 

Gedney, ,\,   197,   198,   199, 

200. 
Gedney    or    Godney,    George 

Broughton,   1.,   199,  201,    h., 

and  1.,  202. 
Greenleaff,  Sheriff,  —  !.,  125. 
Hallowell,  Benj.,  h.,  80,  82. 
Hancock,  IIo?i.  John,  1.,  88. 
Hews,  Robert,  1.,  76. 
Hobby,    Rachel    {heirs  of),  1., 

201,  202. 
Hudcon,  Thomas,  1.,  179. 
Jackson,  Joseph,  1.,  198, 200. 
Jepson,    William     {heirs    of), 

200. 
May,  see  Curtis  and  May. 

Miller, ,  1.,  159. 

Newell,  I>ea.,  sh.,  213. 
Ruddock,  John,  1.,  258. 

Runk, ,h.,  224. 

Russell,  Joseph,  1.,  and  h.,  117, 

120. 
Scott,  William,  1.,  201,  202. 
Simpkins,  William,  1.,  201,  202. 
Sherburne,  Joseph,  1.,  198,  201. 

Sherburne, ,  1.,  76. 

Simpson, ,  sh.,  213. 

Stodder,  or  Stoddard,  Asa,   1., 

198,  200. 

Tyler,  Joseph,  sh.,  .35. 

Tyler,  Meriam  {heirs  of),  198, 

199,  200,  201,  202,  203. 
Tyler,  Thomas    {late),  h.,  213. 

Lanes,  see  Streets,  Ways,  etc. 
Laws,  101,  121,  122,  129,  132. 

for  regulating  choice  of  jurors,  35-6. 

to  enforce,  171,  195,  224. 

for  regulating  scavengers,  155. 

to  prevent  concealiug,  and  the  spread 

of  infectious  diseases,  224. 
concerning  monoplies,  265.     (See  also 
Orders,  town.) 
Leather,   sealers   of,  9,  42,  67,  113,  154,  220, 

229,  272. 
Letters,  178. 

from  Lieut.  Gov.  to  Selectmen,  3. 
^,r-Gov.  Powuall  to  town,  7. 
Sheriff  Qreenleai,  8. 
to  Selectmen,  7,  8. 
from  town  of  Cambridge,  14. 
from  England  relative  to  the  Massa- 
cre of  6th  of  March,  34. 


312 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Letters,  to  England,  concerning  the  Massa- 
cre, 31, 
from  Uon.  Joshua  Henshaw,  44-5. 

Dr.  Lucas,  43. 
to    other    Towns,    94,  106-108,  123, 

125,  143,  136,  263. 
Lock's  Letters  on  Toleration,  refer- 

circular  letter,  123, 173,  1T4, 175, 177. 
letter  from  tea  merchants,  145,  143, 
143. 
Thos.  Hutchinson,  jr., 

146. 
Marblehead,  173. 
Mr.  James  Bois  of  Mil- 
ton, 175. 
to  other  Provinces,  175, 176. 
to    Gen.    Gage  from    lion.  Payson 

Randolph,  207,203,  210-11. 
from  lion.  Kiscoioii  Demauroy,  292, 
233. 
Leverett's  lane,  45. 
Libel,  cases  of,  47,  49,  73,  113, 120-6. 
Licence,  sale  of  liquors  by  persons  not  hav- 
ing, to  prevent,  17, 19. 
renewal  of,  1 15. 
tax  on,  116,  123. 
Linen  Manufactory  Company,  70. 

loan  to,  from  town,  131. 
( See     also    Societies, 
Corporations.) 
clerk  of,  131. 
books    of,  to    examine, 

131, 138., 
summary      concei-ning, 
138-9. 
Liquors,   supply  of,  by  unlicensed  persons, 
to  prevent,  17,  13. 
license,  payment  for,  115. 
losses,  2-j7. 
monopoly  of,  232. 
Loan  certificates,  235. 
Loans,  12,  131. 

Lock's  Letters  on  Toleration,  96. 
London,  15,  IS,  142,  163, 164,  165. 
Long  lane,  45. 
Lord's  Day,  the,  291. 
Lotteries,  69. 

Manufactures,  home,  12,  13,  20. 
Manufactory     Company,      59.       {See    also 

Societies,  Corporations.) 
Mamifactures,  to  promote,  see  Societies. 
Marblehead,  173,  174,  256. 
Market,  provisions  brought  to,  15S,  212-13. 
forestalling  the,  236,  254. 
Faaeuil  Hall,  35,  213,  237. 

stalls  in,  265,  296. 
weights,  etc.,  in  the,  253. 
regulating  the,  298. 
clerks  of  the,  7,  40,  65,  73,  112,  127, 
131,152, 156, 159,  192,  219,  221,  224, 
228-9,  242,  274. 
Maritime  Court,  see  Court. 
Mason,  81.     {See  alno  Trades.) 
Massachusetts  Bay,  Province  of,  4,  5,  7,  10, 
12,  14,  16,  17,  19,  22,  27,  31, 
32,  37,  39,  45,  61,  62,  83,  84, 
83,  89,  90,  91,  93,  94,  95,  100, 
101,   102,   103,   104,  105,  106, 
107,   108,   110,   116,  121,  122, 
123,   124,   125,   126,  139,  141, 
153,   173,   170,  177,  185,  186, 
187,  191,   192,   194,  195,  198, 
209,   219,  231. 

State   of,   247,  266,  267,   278, 
280,  281,  295,297,298,  299. 
Massacioin  King  street,  1,  4,  10,  13,  14,  15, 
18,  20,  22,  .34,  46,  47,  48,  49,  51, 
.52,  148,  149,  150,  1.57. 
monument  to  erecton  site  of,  14. 
memorial    or    draft    concerning, 
15,  16,  20,  22-30. 


Massacre,   dispatches  to   send  to   England, 
concerning.  15,  17,  18,  20. 
oration  to    commemorate,  48,  49, 
50,  51,  52,  6i,  63,  87, 108,  103, 110, 
214,  216,  225,  226,  263,  289. 
subscription  for  sufferer  injured 
during  the,  215,  216. 
Medford,  22  5. 

Meeting-houses,  Ilollis  street   {3Ir.  Byles), 
224. 
Dr.  Sewall's  (Old  South?), 

3. 
Old  Brick,  76,  227,  230,  234, 
239,  219,  250,  265,  237,  268. 
Old   South,  52,  62,  71,  109, 

119,  149,  177,  215. 
subscriptions  solicited  for  a 
meeting-house     for    Ger- 
mans, 159-60. 
response,  164. 
in  Watertown,  226,  234. 
i-epairs    of,    used     as   bar- 

racks,  256. 
coutributions   to  be   levied 
in,  291. 
Merchants,  15,  16,  143, 144,  145,  163,  262,  263, 
235. 

action  of,   concerning   importa- 
tion of  foreign  goods,  16,  42. 
names  of  those  opposing  decis- 
ion against  importation  to  pre- 
serve, 16. 
replies,  34. 
Middlesex,  209. 

Middle  street,  53,  197,  198, 199,  200,  201,  202. 
Military,  1,  133,  245, 
duty,  299. 
Militia,  133,  241,  212,  244,  246,  266,  278,  279. 
Milk   street,  passage  leading  from,  to  im- 
prove, 61,  80,  82. 
land  at  bottom  of,  159. 
Mill  hridge,  see  Bridge, 
pond,  14. 

town's  land  near  the,  14. 
Mills,  11,  104,  171. 

new,  43,  63, 114,  158, 221,  231,  273. 
grist,  49,  171. 
slitting,  175. 
Milton,  14^145, 175. 

slitting  mills  at,  175. 
Molasses,  262. 

Monopolies,  to  prevent,   260,   261,   262,  263, 
264,  275,  276. 
Act  concerning,  see  Act. 
to  repeal,  see  Act. 
Muskets,  see  Arms  and  Ammunition. 
Muster-day,  245. 

delinquents  on,  for  subscription 
towards  a  bounty,  244,  245. 


Navies,  101, 175. 
Navy,  officers  of  the,  130,  221. 
British,  235,  256. 

conduct  of  subalterns,  record  of,  to 
keep,  221. 
Neck,  the,  87,  189, 193,  210.  211. 

town's  land  at,  79-80,  86,  87, 138. 
repairs  at,  138. 
firing  of  small  arms,  171. 
incumbrances  on,  to  remove,  171. 
brickyard  at,  189. 
Negroes,  deaths    of,   from  small-pox,   246. 

{See  also  Diseases, infectious.) 
New  Boston,  118.     {See  also  West  End.) 
Newbury  street,  126. 
New  England,  175,  247. 
New  Hampshire,  5,  14,  17,  34,  35,  36,  39,  61, 

62,  64,  105,  108,  110. 
Newspapers,  26,  47,  56,  87,  125,  141,  211,  264, 
276,  286.     {See  also  the  fol- 
lowmff)  :  — 
Tradesmen's  Protest,  142,  145. 
New  York,  3,  106. 


Index  to  Subjects. 


313 


Noddle's  Island,  278.     {See  also  Islands.) 
Nou-Importation  of  Tea,  etc.,  8,  12,  13. 

merchants  for 
and  against, 
IG. 
veto  of  thanks 
to  supporters 
of,  la. 
of  British 

man  u  f  a  c  t- 
ures,  176. 
North  End,  24,  140. 

grist   mills  at,  49.      {See    also 
Mills.) 
Northern  or  Canada  Department,  244. 
Notes,  negotiable,  12,  46. 
Nova  Scotia,  130. 


Old  Brick  meeting-house,  76,  227,  230,  233, 
234,  239,  247, 
249,  250,  265, 
268. 
clock  on,  76. 
{See  a /-vo  Meet- 
ing-houses.) 
Old  South  Church,  52,  62,  103,  14.),  177. 

clock    of,    71,    119,    215. 
{See      also     Meeting- 
houses.) 
Orations  commemorative  of  the  Boston  Mas- 
sacre, 48,  49,  51,  52,  62,  63,  87,  lOS,  109, 
110,  148, 149,  150,  214,  215,  216,  225,  226, 
26S,  269. 
Orders,  town,  concerning  scavengers,  11,  43, 
155. 
breaking        into 
stoies,     houses, 
etc.,  20. 
relating  to  street  refuse,  76. 
concerning     infectious      dis- 
eases, 224. 
forestalling      of 
wood,        etc., 
249. 
monopolies,  235. 
Ordnance,  209,  210,  228,  257. 


Paddy's  alley,  13,  23,  57,  61, 157, 197, 198,  199, 

200,  201. 
Papers  and  Pamphlets,  46,  49-50,  04. 

concerning  the  rights, 
etc.,  of  colonists, 
94-90. 
infringements,  99- 
103. 
Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  85,  97,  99,  101, 
102,   105,  121,  124,   139,  142, 
143,  173,  175,  176,  185,  186, 
194,  209,  237. 
House  of  Lords,  26,  99. 

Commons,  89,  99. 
Journals    of    the, 
26.       {See    also 
Great    Britain.) 
Pauperism,  to  prevent,  160. 
Perambulations  or  Surveys  :  — 

bounds  of  Hog  alley,  126. 
Sea  street,  137. 
plan  of  all  lands  belonging 

to  town,  171. 
bounds    of     land    in    Ann, 
Middle  streets,   and   Pad- 
dy's alley,  197,    198,  200, 
201. 
proposed  line  of  a  passage  in 
Dock  square,  213. 
Persons  suspected  of  being  inimical  to  the 
American  States,  to  guard  against, 
275,  276,  279,  281. 
narai's  of  such,  to  obtain  and  pub- 
lish in  tha  papers,  270,  230. 
to  apprehend  and  oonflue,  231. 


Persons,  list  of  names  given,  281-2. 

to  try  by  Court,  234. 
Philadelphia,  143. 

Plague,  27.     {See  aho  Disease,  infectious.) 
Plate,  256. 

Pleasant  street,  76,  134. 
Plymouth,  255. 
Poll  tax,  see  Taxes. 
Poor,  the,  250,  251. 

appropriation  for  the,  11,  26,  54,  56,60, 
74,  80,  87,  135,  157,  175,  177,  214,  221, 
225,  231,  250,258,  273,  276,  239. 
employed  in  spinning  wool,  71,  73. 
employment  of  the,l78,  181,  186,  187, 

193. 
subscriptions  for,  to  solicit,  289,  294, 
295,  296. 
Poor,  Overseers  of  the,  5,  25,  25,  32,  33,  39, 
47,  48,  49,  54,  56, 
57,  61,  04,  70,  7.S, 
110,  111,130,  135, 
151,  161,  177,181- 
2,   184,    192,    214, 
217,  218,  221,  222, 
227,  240,  2-51,  255, 
257,   258,  259,  266, 
270,  273,  274,  294. 
accounts  of,  to  au- 
dit, 11,45,  74,117, 
157,  221,  2.31. 
loan  for  use  of,  12, 
46,  116,  157,  221, 
231. 
of  town  of  Medford, 
223. 
Port  Bill,  see  Bills. 
Ports,  havens,  etc.,  104. 
Pound,  the,  241. 

horses  at  large,  to  be  placed  in, 
287. 
Powder,  see  Arms  and  Ammunition, 
house,  44. 

to  remove,  44. 
seizure  of,  at  Cambridge,  209. 
supply  of,  245. 
Printing,  advertising  in  the  prints,  47,  76,  87, 
109,  276,  236. 
of  account  of  the  Massacre  in  King 

street,  34. 
of  depositions,  etc.,  20. 
prints,  public,  see  Newspapers, 
paper  relative  to  3Ir.  William  Mol- 

lineux,  73. 
hand-bills,  4,  142. 

of  oration  on  the  Massacre  in  King 
street.  Mar.  5,  1770,  216,  226,  269. 
Prisoners,  279. 
Providence,  278. 

Province,  the,  see  Massachusetts  Bay,  Prov- 
vince  of. 
House,  147,  277. 
laws,  19,  121,  122,  123,  195. 
tax,  see  Taxes, 
treasurer,  45. 

Charter,  85,  91,  92,  97, 106, 132, 192. 
Provincial  Congress,  the,  190,  191,  192,  208, 
211,  214,  222. 
delegates  to,  choice  of, 
203,  211. 
Provisions,  158,  212-13,  256,  261,  232,  263, 293, 
294. 
forestalling  of,  249,  252,  265. 
high  price  of,  2S7. 
Pumps  to  be  used  in  case  of  fire,  127.     {See 
also  Dock,  the.) 

Queen  street,  23,  24,  25,  55,  57,  79,  81,  82, 117, 

120,  140,  252,  286. 
Quit-rents,  74,  80,  99. 

Rates,  83,  87, 102,  103,  132,  135, 141, 196,  2-59, 
274,  293,  294,  295,  298. 
abatements  of,  12,  46,  56,  59,  70,  87, 
118,  135,  153, 161,  219,  257,  259,  274. 


314 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Rates,  collectors  of,  6,  7,  40,  41,  45,  59,  60,  61, 
65,    66,    63,  69,   70,  73, 
112,  117,  118,  120,  135, 
152,  153,  161,  190,  196, 
218,  222,  225,  228,  257, 
258,  271,  274,  276,  277, 
287. 
premiums,  7,  41,  45,  59- 
60,  66,  117,  152-3,  222, 
2^5,  276,  287. 
Records,  4,  12,  25,  27,  43.  55-6,  70,  87, 115, 125, 
135,   137,  15o,   161,  175,  200,  258, 
281. 
merchants'  names  entered  on,  16. 
Reformation  of  Manners,  to  promote,  231, 

243. 
Refugees,  names  of,  to  ascertain,  276-7. 
Register,  (.lounty,  39,  44,  232. 
lieuts,  records  of  lands,  etc.,  25,  56,  87,  135, 
159,  161,  257. 
quit,  see  Quit-rents, 
of  dwellings,  etc.,  for  barracks,  257. 
Reports  of  Committees,  4,  8,  12,  15,  20,  25-6, 
43,  48,  43,  51,  55-7,  60,  69,  74,  77,  79,  80, 
86,  88,  90,  103,  115,  120,  121-26,  127,  134- 
5,  ]37,  133,  139,  156,  161,  175,  181,   208, 
260-61,  233,  277,  295,  299. 
Representatives,  21,  22,  26,  32,  54,  78,  88,  92, 
99, 101,  116,  123,  130,  136, 
141, 191,  236,  242,  279,286, 
235,  298,  298. 
choice  of,  21,  33,  53,  78,  80, 
129,  190,   233,   234-5,  247, 
282,  283. 
House  of,  4,  85, 121, 124, 125, 
141, 186, 192,  209, 
235, 245, 248,  284. 
records  of  the,  4. 
Chamber,  8,  230-31,  240. 
instructions,  for  the,  23-32, 
80,  83-80,  83,  131-36,  141, 
191,  235-38,  233,  28 i-6. 
grant     for      payment     of 
Agents  serving,  85. 
Revenue  Acts,  see  Act. 
Rewards,  etc.,  2. 
Rhode  Island,  5,  14,  17,  34,  35,  36,39,  61,  62, 

64,  103,  110,  133,  174. 
Riots,  see  Massacre  in  King  street. 
Rivers,  etc.,  104. 

and  capes  of  Delaware,  263. 
Rome,  31. 

Roxbury,  10,  179,  198,  200. 
Royal  Exchange,  the,  224.     {See  also  Tav- 
erns.) 
Rum,  262. 
Rye,  see  Breadstuffs. 


Salaries  or  allowances,  46,   56,  69,  106,  118, 
133,  140-41,  156,  172,   179,   222, 
232,  238,  274,  235,  233,  235. 
to  send  Gapt.  Dashwood  to  Eng- 
land with  dispatches,  15. 
of  school-masters,  12,  23,  46,  54, 
57-8,  69-70,  81,  82,  118,  140-41, 
156,  172,  180,  181,  222,  232,  252, 
259,  274,  -286,  293,  294. 
of  the  Judges   of  the  Superior 
Court,   88,  88,  89,  91,  1U6,  121, 
122. 
allowances  for:  — 
Mr.  David   Jeffries,   24,   58,  141, 

171,  181,  280-7. 
Benj.Fenno,  43,  70. 
John  Green,  49. 
Edward  HoUyday,  69. 
Abraham  Savage,  69. 
Samuel  Hunt,  158. 
William  Scott,  202. 
Meriam  Tyler  {heirs  of),  202. 
Jacob  Emmons,  202. 
William  Simpkins,  202. 
Joseph  Sherburne,  202. 


Salaries,  allownnees  for :  — 
James  Dodge,  202. 
Rachel  Hobby,  202. 
Samuel  Hunt,  252. 
grant    of    moneys,    to    consider, 
275. 
Salem,  173, 174,  176, 192,  209,  251,  255. 

hospital,  251. 
Salt,  257. 

Scavengers,   choice  of,  11,  43,  67-8,  75,  114, 
117,  221,  230,  273. 
duties    of,  to  enforce,   12,   75, 
155. 
Schools,  258,  287. 

houses,  81. 

masters,  80,  81,  82,  134, 196.  287. 

salaries,  12,  23,  46,  54,  57- 
8,69,  70,  81,  82,118,140- 
41,  156,  172,  180,  181, 
222,  232,  252,  259,  274, 
286,  293,  234. 
■ushers,  287. 

salaries.  23,  24,  58,  81,  82, 
118,  1-10,  180,  181. 
Grammar,  North,  23,  25,  55,  57,  79, 
81, 131, 140, 158, 180. 
South,  23,  25,  55,  57,  58, 
79,  81,   131,   140,    180, 
252,  288,  293. 
Writing,  North,  23,  24,  25,  55,  57, 
79,  81,  82,  131,  140,  180, 
181,  252,  286. 
South,25,  55,  79,131,134, 

172. 
in  Queen  street,  23,  24, 
25,   55,   57,   58,  79,  81, 
82,   131,  140,  180,  252, 
236. 
visitation  of  the,  24-5,  54-5,  70,  78- 
9,  129-30. 
statistics,    25,    55, 
79,  131. 
to  erect  another  school,  90. 
Scotland,  104. 
Sea  street,  119,  137. 
Secretary  of  State  (1776),  247. 
Selectmen,  1,  5,  7, 12,  14,20,  21,  22,  23,  25,  32, 
33,  35,  39, 41,43,  45,  46,53,54,56, 
59, 63, 70, 71,  73, 74,  75,  76, 77,  78, 
79,  81,  87,  88, 91, 94, 110, 115, 116, 
118,  121,  122,  125,  127,  129, 131, 
135,  137, 138, 139,  143,  145, 1.36, 
158,  1.59,  160,  162,  171,  174,  190, 
197,  198,  199,  200,  201,  208,  213, 
216,  217,  223,  224,  227,  231,  234, 
235,  236,  238,  240,  245,  251,  252, 
255,  257,  258,  259,  260,  261,  264, 
265,  267,  270,  280,  281,  283,  287, 
288,  292,  233,  234,  295,  296,  297. 
choice  of,   5,  64,  75,  150-51,  217, 

227,  232. 
petitions  preferred  to,  121. 
Sequestration,     Committee     of,    see    Com. 

mittees. 
Sewers,  see  Drains. 
Sheep,  179. 

Ships,  vessels,  etc.,  15, 17, 18,  19,  20, 100, 104, 
223,  255,  256,  263,  278. 
ship-building,  20. 
moorage  niul  dockage,  80,  213. 
hospital-ship,  the,  223-4. 
statistics  of  commerce,  255,  256-7. 
owners,  256. 
cargoes,  256. 

British  Man-of-War,  263. 
Shopkeepers  notified  concerning  sale  of  tea, 

13. 
Slaughter  house,  to  erect,  71,  76. 
Small  Pox,  27,  223-4,  240,  245,  246. 

statistics    of,    246.       {See     also 
Disease,  infectious.) 
Societies,  Corporations,  etc.,  37,  62. 

to  promote  arts,  agriculture,  man- 
ufactures, and  commerce,  37,  38. 


Index  to  Subjects. 


315 


SocietieB,  Manufactory  Company,  59. 

Linen  Manufactory  Company,  70, 

1.3S,  139. 
East  India  Company,  141-44, 148. 
Soldiers,  2H,  2i4,  207,  230,  288. 

quartered  in  Boston,  1,  2, 3,  4,  8, 10, 
14,15,  16,  18,  22,  46,  47,  48,  49-51, 
52,  62,  63,  101,  1U8,  109,  110,  133, 
148,  149,  150,  157,  193,  194,  209, 
210,  214,  215,  216,  225,  226,  268, 
239,  233,  291,  292. 
landing  of,  21. 
trial  of,  concerned  in  the  Massacre 

of  March  5,  1770,  49,  51. 
Boston  Regiment,  279. 
Fourteenth.  Regiment,  3,  10. 
Twenty-ninth  Regiment,  3,  10,  47, 
48,  63. 
.    conduct  of,   record  of,    to   keep, 
221. 
providing  for  "  non-commissioned 
officers'"  and  soldiers'  families, 
291,  292,  293. 
South  Carolina,  1.30. 
South  End,  wharf  at,  to  build,  181, 182. 

town's  land   at,  181,  188.     {See 

also  Lands.) 
tavern  at  the,  224. 
South  street,  to  pave,  134. 
Spinning,  employment  of  poor  in,  71,  73. 
State  House,  the,  257. 
States,  the,  nee  America,  United  States  of. 
Statistics  of  loss  of  property,   etc.,  to  the 
colonists,  258-7.     {See  alno  under  Build- 
ings, Commerce,  Trade,  etc.) 
Streets,  encumbered,  159,  197. 
to  repair,  53. 
new,  laid  out,  13,  57. 
names  of,  to  affix,  125. 
lamps,  72,  115,  116, 120,  128,  135,  136, 

164-5,  196. 
to  lay  out,  119,  159,  164,  197,  198, 199, 

200. 
paving  of,  82,  83, 134. 
to  keep  clean,  76. 
refuse,  71-2,  75-6. 

law  relating  to,  76. 
See  also,  the  following  :  — 
Atkinson,  Cold  lane,  Cornhill,  Cross, 
Dock  square.  Friend,  Hog  alley,  Kil- 
by,  Leverett's  lane.  Long  lane.  Mid- 
dle, Milk,  Newbury,   Pleasant,   Sea, 
South,  Sudbury,  Union,  Winter. 
Subscriptions,  290,  290. 

for  the  poor,  to  solicit,  289, 
295. 
Sudbury  street,  14, 119,159,  164. 
Suffolk  county,  198,200. 
Sugar,  262. 
Suits :  — 

town  «.s.  Linen  Manufactory,  131. 

to    recover    all    rights,    titles,    etc.,  to 

town's  lands,  to  enter,  158. 
Jacob    Emmons   vs.  parties   unknown, 
61. 
Sureties  or  bonds  given,  7,  41,  66,  118,  153, 

276,  287. 
Sweden,  108. 

Taverns: —  i 

Green  Dragon,  the,  159. 
Lamb,  the,  224. 
Royal  Exchange,  the,  224. 
Taxes,  60,  83,  87,  99,  100,  101,  102,  103,  132, 
135,  141,  196,  202,  259,  293,  294,  295, 
293. 
abatement  of,  12,  46,  56,  59,  70,  87, 

116,  135, 153,  161,  219,  257. 
collectora  of,  6,  7,  40,  41,  45,  56,  59, 60, 
61,65,66,68,69,70,73, 
112,  117,  118,  120,  135, 
152,  153,  190,  196,  218, 
222,  225,  22S,  257,  258, 
271,  274,  276,  277,  237. 


Taxes,  collectors  of .  premium,  7,  41,  45,  59, 
60,  66,  117,  152-3,  222, 
225,  276,  287. 
books,  59,  196,  225. 
poll  and  estate,  26,  60,  86,  135,  180, 

259,  275-6. 
chimney  tax,  55. 
on  wheel  carriages,  115, 128. 
on  licenses  for  sale  of  liquor,  116,  128. 
tax  in  order  to  supply  lamps,  128. 
tea,  8, 12,  13,  17,  20,  142-44. 
Province  tax,  222,  296. 
list  of  names  of  persons  not  paying 

their,  225. 
list  of  absentees,  274. 
Tea,  non-importation  of,  8,12, 13, 17,20,  142- 
44,  147. 
consumption  of,  to  discountenance,  20. 
sellers  of,  20. 
tax,  see  Taxes. 
Titles,  see  Deeds. 
Toleration  Act,  the,  see  Act. 
Town,  the,  see  Boston. 

dock,  see  Dock,  the. 
House,  14,  129. 
clock,  see  Clock, 
loans,  see  Loans. 

meetings,  1,  2,  4, 14, 15, 17, 19,  21,  32, 
33,  35,  36,  53,  54,  59,  61,- 
62,  64,  77,  78,  87,  88,  89, 
,  93,  106,  108,  110,  121,  122, 

123,  123,  12;),  141,  145,146, 
147,  148,  150,  157,162,172, 
185,189,194,196,205,207, 
208,  212,  222,  223,  224, 225, 
227,  234,  239,  247,  249,  250, 
259,265,237,269,277,282, 
237,  288,  291,  293,  294,  295, 
296,  297. 
warnings  to  attend,  17,  21, 
32,33,35,36,53,61,63,77, 
87,  88,  89,  93, 103, 110, 121, 
128,141,146,  147,148,150, 
160,162,172,185,189,214, 
227,  234,  239,  249,  250,  259, 
267,  269,277,232,288,291, 
293,  296,  297. 
officers,  1,  4,  5,  6,  9,  10,  11,  19,  20,  35, 
36,  38,  39,  40,  41-3,  41,  64-5,  66,  68, 
74,  75,  77,  94,  110,  111,  112,  114,  120, 
121,   126,   127,   150,   151,  154,  155-6, 
174,  176,  ISO,  187,  196, 193,  201,  216, 
217,  218,  220-21,   224,   227-30,    242, 
243,  246,  248,  258,  269,  271-73,  275, 
279,  281,  237,  291,  292,  299. 
orders,  see  Orders,  town, 
treasurer,  see  Treasurer, 
visitation  of  the,  see  Visitation, 
watch,  see  Watch. 
Trades,  interests  of,  85,  142-44,  173,  175,  176, 
276,  235. 
losses,  255. 
Trades  :  — 

bakers,  263. 
blacksmiths,  127,  175. 
carpenters,  127. 
masons,  81. 
Tradesmen,  142,  188,  262. 
Tradesmen's  Protest,  142,   145.      {See  also 

Newspapers.) 
Transportation    of    families,   etc.,  into    the 

country  and  back  to  Boston,  237. 
Treasurer,  town,  6,  12,  25,  45,  46,  56-7,  58, 
65,  70,  74,  80,  82,  116,  117, 
130,  131,  141,  156-7,   162, 
171,179,181,183,188,196, 
214,  221,  236,  280,  2S9, 294, 
295. 
accounts  of,  25-26,  45,  56-7, 
58,  60,  70,  74,  77,  86,  87, 
117, 134-5, 161-2,  231,  257, 
259. 
choice    of,    40,     111,     1'.2, 
213. 


316 


City  Document  No.  91. 


Treasurer,  county,  8,  39,  44,  45,  65,  69,  111, 
115,  141,152,218,  230. 
Province,  45,  69,  141. 

Treasury,  debit  aiLd  credit  of  the,  11,  45,  49, 
57,  58,  59,  60,  69,  74,  87,  117, 135, 157,  161, 
221,  231,  257,  258,  273. 

Treason,  the  return  of  certain  persons,  with- 
out permission,  to  be  accounted  as,  279. 

Twenty-ninth  Regiment.  {ISee  also  Sol- 
diers.) 

Union  street,  35,  213. 

new  street  from  end  of,  across 
Friend,  119,  159,  164. 
United  States,  see  America,  United  States  of. 

Valuation  for  apportioning  the  State   Tax, 

296. 
Virginia,  134. 
Visitation,  240-1,  245,  246. 
statistics,  246. 
Volunteers,  279.     {See  also  Soldiers.) 

Wards  or  Precincts,  11,  19,  43,  56,  67-8,  76, 
117,  136,  155,  163,  232,  240-41,  245,  253-54, 
255,  260-61,  264,  235,  276,  277,   288,  289, 
290,  232,  293,  2J4. 
Warrants,  12, 13, 14, 17, 21, 22, 33, 34, 35, 36, 39, 
47,  53,  54,  55,  58,  61,  62,  63,  6i,  71,  72,  74, 
75,  78,  79,  80,  93,  103,  110,  118,  119,  121, 
129,  131,  141,  142,  147,  148,  150,  158,  159, 
162,  171,  172,  173,  176,  179,  185,  186,  187, 
190,  191,  201,  202,  207,  216,  223,  233,  234, 
235,  236,  239,  2-10,  241,  242,  243,  247,  249, 
250,  251,  252,  259,  260,  235,  266,  267,  269, 
275,  277,  278,  230,  232,  233,  287,  239,  291, 
293,  234,  296,  297,  298. 
Watch,  4,  8,44,51,  195. 
military,  15. 
houses,  51,  118,  195. 
men,  195,  297. 
town,  253,  297. 
Water  course,  see  Beacon  Hill. 
Watertown,  8,  10,  225,  226,  234. 
Ways,  streets,  highways,  etc. 

surveyors  of,  11,  45,  156,  221,231,  273. 

to  widen,  53. 

new,  laid  out,  13,  57. 

Sudbury  street  nuisance  in,  to  abate, 

14. 
passage-way  from  Faneuil  Hall  mar- 
ket into  Ann  and  Union  streets  a 
nuisance,  35. 


Ways,  passage  from  Milk  street,  to  improve 
01,  80,  82. 
at  the  ISTeck,  to  repair,  86. 
from  Ann  to  Middle,  to  widen,  53. 
liog  alley,  nuisance  in,  116-17,  125. 
Sea  street,  to  repair,  119, 137. 
new,  to  lay  out,  119,  150,  164. 
names  of  streets,  to  affix,  125. 
incumbrances  on  Neck,  to  remove, 

171. 
Kilby  street,  to  pave,  134. 
South  Btregt,  to  pave,  134. 
Dock  square,  incumbrances  in,  to  re- 
move, 158,  212-13. 
incumbrances,  to  remove,  159. 
Weights  and  Measures,  253. 

weighing  of  hay,  287. 
Wells,  to  dig,  171, 178.  {See  also  Dock,  the.) 
West  Boston,  224. 
West  end  {called  New  Boston). 

watchhouse  at,  to  erect,  118.    {See 
also  Watch.) 
West  Indies,  174, 175. 

goods  from  the,  264.  {See  also 
Islands.) 
Wharfingers  290. 
Wharves,  159,  186,  224. 

damages  to,  256. 
Hancock's,  88. 

at  South  end,  to  build,  181, 182. 
Wheelwright's,  21. 
Wheat,  see  Breadstuffs. 

surveyors    of,   11,  43,  68,    114,   156, 
221,  231,  273. 
Wheelwright's     wharf,      21.        {See     also 

Wharves.) 
Windham,  179. 
Winter  street,  126. 
Wood,  cord,  158,  159,  294. 

forestalling  of,  2i9,  250,  252. 
measurers  of,  253. 
Wood,  290. 

surveyors  of  boards,  9, 11,  41-2,  66,  74, 

75,  113,  154, 156,   220,  229,  272. 
cullers  of  staves,  10,  42,  67,  75,  113, 
154-.55,  163,  272. 
hoops,  163,  220,  230. 
lumber,  159,  210. 
Wool,  poor,  employed  in  spinning,  71. 

Act  restraining  the  transportation  of, 
104. 
Workhouse,  vaults  of  the,  71. 


Date  Due 


DPR  17 '50 


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